PAK vs ENG | Twitter goes wild as Jamie Smith sparks Bazball with a huge six leaving Sajid Khan baffled

ByDebayan Sinha, SportsCafe Editor

10/24/2024

Spinners can disrupt an opposition's attacking approach and break their momentum. This was evident when the host spinners managed to put England on the back foot but Jamie Smith adopted an aggressive mindset, countering their efforts and looking to shift the momentum back in favour of England.

‌England got off to a strong start with openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley building a partnership of 54 runs. However, their downfall began as the spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan wreaked havoc, dismantling England's batting order. Middle-order batters Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Ben Stokes struggled to find form, leaving the team in need of momentum. Jamie Smith then took charge, adopting an aggressive approach; he scored a brisk fifty off 94 balls and launched a massive six off Sajid Khan, leaving the spinner bewildered.

On the third ball of the 59th over, Sajid bowled a flighted delivery outside off stump, perfectly positioned for Smith, who executed a slog sweep over deep mid-wicket. The ball soared into the gallery, surprising Sajid, who had just taken four crucial wickets. To compound Sajid's frustration, a ball later, Smith replicated his effort, smashing another big hit off a fuller delivery towards long-on. Smith's explosive performance garnered praise on social media, with Twitter users celebrating his bold "Bazball" approach.

His reaction

— deca coorn (@DCoorn74987)

Difficult wicket

Jamie Smith, take a bow son!!!

Incredible innings on a really difficult wicket....England in pole position now in this test imp, Pakistan will have to bat last....good luck doing that lmao
— Farked it still didn't make it (@Cheeta_13)

Good player

What a player - Jamie Smith
— Nikhil Ram (@Nikhil_Rams)

Today's saviour

Jamie Smith 😱

The saviour ❤
— Zaryab Khan (@ZaryabMmd)

Third bowler

Meanwhile in Pindi, Jamie Smith played a really good knock and Pak have finally used a 3rd bowler after around 90 overs .
— Prateek Rath (@prateek_rath19)

Special innings

Take a bow Jamie Smith, I don’t even need to be watching to know that’s a special innings 👏👏👏👏
— Craig Smith (@CraigCraigsmith)

Counter attacking

Jamie Smith a find for English cricket. Counter attacking batsman and has kept well in these conditions.
— Rivaldos bicycleKick (@FCB1mrankhan)

Rocked early

England rocked early by spin attack in Rawalpindi

Jamie Smith played good (91) runs innings to reach good total against home team.

England 244/8 Tea break.
— Abdul Mui'd (@moidahmed99)

Terrific