Jamie Smith praised Ian Bell’s impact on his career after scoring his first Test century, despite the fact that the former England batsman is now working with Sri Lanka. Smith’s 111 on Friday during the third day of the first Test at Old Trafford helped England take a 122-run lead in the first innings.
By the end of the day, Sri Lanka had scored 204-6 in their second innings, giving them just an 82-run lead. England was pushing hard for their fourth consecutive red-ball win of the season, following a 3-0 series victory over the West Indies.
Bell, who won the Ashes five times during his playing career, is currently working with Sri Lanka as a batting consultant.
However, he worked with Smith during their time together in the recent edition of the English domestic cricket’s Hundred competition.
The 24-year-old Smith, who on Friday broke a record that had stood since 1930 to become the youngest England wicketkeeper to score a Test century, also benefited from Bell’s expertise while representing the second-string England Lions.
“Belly has been really helpful to me in both the Lions and with Birmingham Phoenix over the past few years,” Smith said to the journalists.
“The information he shared and his eagerness to practice with me before matches, especially when I was focused on the Test series, is something I truly appreciate.”
The promising Surrey player also mentioned: “It’s wonderful when someone supports you and assists you, even if they are on the other team. So I was thankful for his support.”
“It was great to achieve that important goal today. I felt calm and at ease, ready to play my best.”
Bell, who was also involved, was happy for Smith after Smith almost scored a hundred in a big game against the West Indies last month, getting 95 points.
“He will be a top player for England for many years to come,” Bell said.
The 42-year-old, who scored 22 hundreds in 118 big games for England, added: “I think I helped a little in his growth, but I’ve seen someone who has worked very hard. He’s adapted well to playing at the highest level.”
Smith didn’t celebrate wildly when he scored his hundred; he just raised his bat calmly after reaching 100 points in 136 hits, including seven fours and a six.
“I might not have shown it, but inside, I was really happy with that achievement,” Smith said.
