Jamie Smith: ODI Opening Role Ideal Prep for India Test Series

Jamie Smith believes his role as an opener in England’s 3-0 ODI series sweep against West Indies has provided perfect preparation for the upcoming Test series against India. The 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, who smashed a 25-ball fifty at The Oval on Tuesday, said facing the swinging new ball has been a valuable experience ahead of his expected Test duties.

“Facing quality new-ball bowlers while the ball is nipping around is great practice,” Smith said. “It’s been good preparation leading into India, and with the Zimbabwe Test behind us too, it feels like we’re close.”

Smith, who struck 64 in the final ODI and scored at a strike rate of 180.35 across the series, is not part of the T20I squad but is set to return for the first Test against India starting June 20. Despite never having faced Jasprit Bumrah, he downplayed the idea of detailed video analysis, joking, “Hopefully down at No. 7, I can watch the others go and face him first.”

The new father also ruled out watching the upcoming World Test Championship final, opting instead for rest and family time to stay fresh for the five-Test India series. “I’ll have enough to do at home,” he said.

With the India tour followed by an Ashes series in Australia, Smith acknowledged the high stakes. “We’re playing the two best nations. Everyone knows what’s coming, but we’re focusing on one game at a time. It’s a great time to test ourselves.”

Smith remains a key figure in England’s evolving red-ball setup, seen by many as a long-term successor in the middle order as the team prepares for a defining stretch in Test cricket.

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