England show regeneration in win over Sri Lanka

Of the three newest faces who have been backed to fill key roles this summer – Gus Atkinson with the new ball, Shoaib Bashir as the lone spinner and Jamie Smith behind the stumps – each has had their moment to shine.

Atkinson took 11 wickets on his debut against West Indies at Lord’s and Bashir defeated the same opponent at Trent Bridge.

It’s clear they have great promise as international cricketers, but we feel Smith is the man we should be most excited about.

He has ended the Bairstow-Ben Foakes wicketkeeping debate and has the potential to become England’s gloveman for the next decade. While his keeping has been astute – apart from a missed stumping and a no-balled for breaking the line with his gloves – it is Smith’s batting that gives credence to the belief that England have discovered a gem.

At the age of 24 and in only his fourth Test, Smith scored his maiden century from a difficult position in the first innings, then took the tension out of a tricky run-chase with a brisk 39 in the second.

His stance is a bit awkward, but everything that happens after the bowler releases the ball has the grace of Darcey Bussell. Solid defence, great drives and quick pull shots.

Smith is remarkably poised for such a young and inexperienced cricketer. His celebration of reaching three figures at Old Trafford was little more than a swing of the bat at the Party Stand. Last year, at the same ground, Bairstow made 99 not out and practically climbed into the press box for a rumble.