England wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith revealed that the decision to aggressively target Ravindra Jadeja in the 82nd over during the chase of 371 against India in the first Test was a strategic move designed to pre-empt a possible intervention by Jasprit Bumrah with the second new ball.
With England cruising towards their target at 355-5, Smith and Joe Root were firmly in control. But the fear of Bumrah returning to bowl in a last-ditch effort from India prompted Smith to launch a decisive counterattack, smashing Jadeja for two sixes and a boundary to complete a memorable five-wicket win for the hosts.
“The runs at that point were not too many, so I wasn’t expecting him (Bumrah) to come on and bowl with the new ball,” Smith said, speaking to a sports outlet. “But you’re just never quite sure, especially in cricket.”
England’s strategy hinged on the possibility that Bumrah, had he been brought back at that critical stage and taken a couple of quick wickets, could have altered the complexion of the game. With India needing only five wickets and a new ball due, the visitors had a glimmer of hope.
“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,” Smith explained.
He acknowledged that his decision may have briefly exposed No. 8 Chris Woakes, but believed the aggressive intent was justified.
“I knew the new ball was coming and it looked as though I’d exposed Woakes, but at that point, if I’d hit another couple of sixes in that over, you’re taking all the momentum into the new ball. The second new ball can bring wickets but it can increase the scoring rate as well. There’s always a bit of calculated thinking behind it.”
India, Smith said, gave their all on the final day, but England’s clarity in approach and favourable conditions helped seal the win.
“They kept trying all day. It was simple in that you knew you had to chase the runs and we weren’t going to block out for the draw. We were always going to be positive and try to get the runs,” he said.
“The outfield was rapid and it was as good a batting pitch as you could have on day five. It wasn’t misbehaving too much, so you always felt you could keep it simple.”
Smith, who remained unbeaten on 44 alongside Root’s 53*, credited the team’s aggressive philosophy and leadership backing for his confident display.
“It’s great. Having that belief from other people is something that definitely took my game to the next level. When you’re batting, it’s you and your partner, but to have that backing and trust that everyone is doing the same thing, you don’t feel alone when you make a bold decision.”
He added that players were not punished for attacking options, even if they didn’t always come off.
“When you are caught on the boundary trying to hit the ball for six, you feel you’re not going to get a slap on the wrist. The attitude is, ‘Mate, that was a good option, the wind was howling that way.’”
Smith also brushed aside criticism about India’s inexperience in the Test match.
“There’s a lot of chat about inexperience on their part, but I thought they were fantastic throughout the five days. When they’re trying to get 10 wickets and you’re chasing 370, it’s not something that gets done every day. There could have been some head-downs at the end, but they kept going,” he said.
England secured the victory in the final hour, with major contributions from Ben Duckett (149), Zak Crawley (65), and the unbeaten partnership between Root and Smith, chasing down the imposing target and taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
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