Jamie Smith Calls Opening Against West Indies ‘Great Practice’ Ahead of India Series

English batter Jamie Smith believes that opening for England against the West Indies has prepared him to face India. The three Lions faced the Windies in the 3-match ODI series from May 29 to June 3.

Jamie Smith hit a 25 ball century in England’s third ODI against WI on Tuesday. He stated that facing quality bowlers who bowl with new balls has benefited him. England won the series by 3-0.

‘It has been great playing three ODIs’

“There’s an opportunity there to go and play, and experience opening when the ball is still swinging and nipping around against quality bowlers. It’s definitely great practice [for the India series]. It feels like we’re close to it now, we’re almost there. It’s been great playing these three games and obviously the Zimbabwe Test leading up to it,” Smith said.

Smith scored 101 runs in 3 matches with a strike rate of 180.35, with 64 as his highest score. However, he is not included in the T20I series against WI. He will enjoy a short break before facing India from June 20.

Speaking on the break, he said, “I feel good. Hopefully, the next 10 days or so can go well, prep-wise, and we can head into India quite fresh, which is amazing.”

England Brace for Top ODI Challenge

England will face two of the top three ODI teams in the game in the next few months. First, they will play against India in a five-match Test series, commencing June 20. After India, they play the Ashes series in Australia, which will again feature five Tests.

“We’re playing the two best nations,” Smith said. “It’s always going to be talked about, and the key for us and the group that we have at the moment is we’re focusing on one game at a time.”

“Everyone knows the magnitude of what you’ve got coming up, but if we can try and stay in the present then it’s a good time to test ourselves against the best. We feel in a really good place, and I think everyone’s really excited and in a great place to go and attack them.”

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