Ian Bell expects Jamie Smith to be “a world-class player for England over a long period of time” after the 24-year-old reached his first international century on day three of the first Test at Old Trafford.
Smith turned his overnight 72 into 111, marking three figures with an understated celebration as he helped England to a first-innings total of 358. With Sri Lanka 204 for six at the close of play, leading by 82, the match sits in the hosts’ favour despite fighting half-centuries from Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis.
