In Rawalpindi, the wicketkeeper’s six-run 89 on the opening day of the decisive Test match against Pakistan turned the tide.
The field, patio heaters, and Sajid Khan’s moustache threatened to overwhelm England at 118-6. The tourists’ photographs were mediocre at best.
With a little assistance from his Surrey mucker Gus Atkinson, Smith’s knock helped England to a respectable 267. The visitors are the favorites to win the series as Pakistan faltered to 73-3 in the end.
Smith, who is only 24 years old and has only nine caps, is learning how to score runs when England most needs them.
Three of the other four of his scores—95 from 169-6 against the West Indies at Edgbaston, 111 from 125-4 against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford (including a crucial 39 in a close chase in the same game), and 69 from 82-7 against the Lankans at The Oval—also came from dangerous positions. This was his fifth score of 50 or more.
Smith stated, “I don’t mind those situations because there’s everything to gain and not too much to lose.” Instead of considering the game scenario, you are considering how you can apply your skills and hope that they are successful.
