England v West Indies: Jamie Smith says Ben Foakes has helped with Test debut

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England v West Indies: Jamie Smith says Ben Foakes has helped with Test debut

Jamie Smith says Ben Foakes has helped him with his Test debut despite replacing his Surrey team-mate as England’s wicketkeeper.

Foakes, arguably the best keeper in the world, is Surrey’s first choice, with Smith usually playing as a specialist batter in county cricket.

But England have chosen Smith to keep in the first Test against West Indies and he responded by making 70 on day two at Lord’s.

“We’ve got a very good relationship and he has helped me a lot with my keeping,” Smith told Test Match Special. “He spoke to me about what to expect from this experience.”

Smith was the wicketkeeper on his previous appearances for England, in two one-day internationals against Ireland last year.

A talented *******-player, Smith has been picked with an eye on the Ashes tour of 2025-26 largely because of his ability with the bat.

And, on the day before his 24th birthday, he showed his ability to score at different tempos. Smith took 47 deliveries to make his first 30 runs then, with only the tail for company, hit 40 off his next 42 deliveries. One of his two leg-side sixes went on to the roof of the Tavern Stand.

“It has been an amazing day,” said Smith, who usually bats at number four or five for Surrey, but lined-up at seven for England.

“Batting seven and keeping is a new role for me, but I’m happy to adapt. Batting with the tail is new for me as well, so I am learning on the job a bit.”

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