Paul Collingwood, England’s assistant coach, recently spoke out and praised wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith for his performance in the second innings of the ongoing third Test match against Sri Lanka. Additionally, Collingwood likened Smith to the renowned Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist.
He said that having a destructive batter in the middle order may have a significant effect on the opposition, comparing Smith’s performance to Gilchrist’s.
It is noteworthy that on Day 3 of the third Test match against Sri Lanka, England found themselves in a difficult situation. The hosts were in a difficult situation after Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope left the game for seven runs apiece in the second innings, but Jamie Smith took the pitch and produced a strong performance.
Paul Collingwood was impressed by the same performance and lauded Smith’s praises.
With 67 runs in 50 deliveries, Smith helped England overcome an 82-7 deficit to 140-8. The hosts scored 156 runs in the second innings, setting up a 219-run goal for Sri Lanka to chase.
“When he enters, the scene is exciting. He is undoubtedly a performer. You travel back in time to the times when Gilchrist would visit Australia. When someone has that kind of power, it takes all the life out of you as the opponent. “He has demonstrated some amazing skills in his brief Test career,” Collingwood was cited as saying.
Sri Lanka scores a historic victory
Sri Lanka was comfortable from the start, pursuing what appeared to be a competitive aim. The opponent was taken aback by the team’s quick start thanks to the hitters. The chase was spearheaded by Pathum Nissanka, who scored 127* off 124 balls, including 13 fours and two sixes.
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With impressive thirty-run partnerships, Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews helped the visitors win by eight wickets.