'There’s always some calculated thinking behind it.'
England batter Jamie Smith underlined the team’s intent and strategy during their remarkable run chase in the first Test against India at Headingley, Leeds.
Speaking after the match, Smith explained that England approached the fourth-innings target of 371 with a positive mindset, determined to play their natural game and take advantage of ideal batting conditions.
“It was simple, we were chasing the runs and never considered blocking out for a draw. We always intended to be positive,” Smith told ESPNcricinfo.
“The outfield was rapid, and the pitch stayed true even on day five. It didn’t misbehave much, so we could keep things straightforward without having to manufacture shots, which helped a lot.”
The foundation of England’s record-breaking chase was laid by Ben Duckett’s outstanding 149, which set the tone early. Smith then played a crucial role in the final session, striking a brisk 44 off 55 balls. He sealed the win in emphatic fashion, launching Ravindra Jadeja for four, six, and another six in the opening over of the last hour.
Smith also highlighted the importance of belief from teammates and the support system within the squad. While batting can feel like an individual task, he said that trust and backing from others made a big difference.
“Having that belief from others definitely elevated my game,” he said.
“Even though it’s just you and your partner out there, knowing that everyone supports your approach makes a huge difference. You feel less alone in your decision-making.”
He noted that the team’s fearless attitude allowed for freedom in shot selection, even when taking risks.
“If you get caught on the boundary trying to hit a six, no one’s giving you a hard time. Instead, it’s, ‘Mate, that was a good option, the wind was blowing that way,’” Smith added.
England batters' decision to go after Ravindra Jadeja in the 82nd over and complete the task of winning the first Test in a hurry was borne out of the thinking that India could bring in their strike bowler Jasprit Bumrah in a desperate attempt to take some late wickets.
With Joe Root and Smith batting comfortably and the winning target of 371 within sniffing distance, the latter finished off the contest by smashing Jadeja for two sixes and a boundary to guide the hosts to a memorable five-wicket win.
"The runs at that point (when Smith decided to go after Jadeja) were not too many, so I wasn't expecting him (Bumrah) to come on and bowl (with the new ball), but you're just never quite sure, especially in cricket," Smith said.
England's thinking was that had Shubman Gill pressed Bumrah into service when the hosts were 355/5 after the 81st over and the Indian quick had struck a couple of blows, things could have become slightly difficult for Ben Stokes' side.
"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."
"I knew there was a new ball coming and it looks as though I'd exposed Chris Woakes (at No. 8) 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," said Smith.
He added, "The second new ball can bring wickets but it can increase the scoring rate as well. There's always a little bit of calculated thinking behind it."
Smith said India "kept trying all day" on the final day but England's philosophy of keeping it simple in good batting conditions helped the hosts get over the line.
England chased down the target in just 82 overs, finishing at 373/5 to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
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