India have copped some criticism from multiple quarters in the days since their capitulation to England in the first Test at Headingley but they have now received some praise from the opposition camp. Jamie Smith, who had hastened England’s run to victory on a rather dramatic fifth day of the match, said that he felt India were “fantastic” throughout the match.
“It’s hard when you’re out there and you’re focused on the job at hand,” Smith is quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. “You know the importance of that moment, when you have the opportunity to start the series with a win, that your focus is all on that.”
England chased down a target of 371. Efforts of their openers, particularly centurion Ben Duckett, and later of Joe Root after wickets fell, meant that by the time Smith came to bat, the hosts were pretty much in the driver’s seat. India have since been criticised for their lack of firepower in the bowling lineup outside of Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill, who made his debut as Test captain in the match, following the ball and struggling to stamp his authority on the proceedings on Day 5. Smith said that while a chase of that magnitude may not be something that happens often, he felt India kept competing throughout the day.
“When they’re trying to get 10 wickets and you’re chasing 370, it’s not everyday that gets done. There could have been some head-downs at the end but they kept trying all day. I see a lot of chat about maybe some inexperience on their part but I thought they were fantastic throughout the five days.”
Possibility of Bumrah taking new ball led to onslaught
Smith finished the match off with a flourish, smashing a four and a six off the second and third balls of Ravindra Jadeja in the second over after India had taken the second new ball. He then hit a six off the last ball of the over to end the chase, himself remaining unbeaten on 44 off 55 balls. Smith said that part of the reason he decided to finish it off as quickly as possible was that he was conscious of the possibility of England’s tailenders being exposed to Jasprit Bumrah with the new ball.
“The runs at that point were not too many, so I wasn’t expecting (Bumrah) to come on and bowl, but you’re just never quite sure, especially in cricket. You don’t know what will happen. I always back our tail but there could be a couple of decent balls and suddenly you’re eight-down and the pressure’s back on you again. It was nice to just get it done and move on,” said Smith.
