A leg-side dig off Milan Rathnayake did it, a guaranteed one turned into a comfortable two, the question now of how the batter would celebrate this moment. Jamie Smith had become a Test centurion.

But there was no David Warner-esque skip-and-jump, no sign of theatricality under the Manchester sun’s guest appearance. Only a simple nod to tradition: the helmet off and the bat raised for his teammates and crowd, a smile reserved for his batting colleague, Gus Atkinson. The lid was off for less than 20 seconds before he returned to his wide-crouching stance, ready for the next ball.

The lack of celebration perhaps hinted at an acknowledgement from Smith, that this day had been coming. A first Test century is often described as a “dream come true”. For some, that cliched refrain sounds more appropriate, the hundred unlikely until it actually happened, this the high point of a career that probably won’t produce another. For others, blessed with the right gifts and circumstances, the dream is real from early on, that first hundred the start. David Gower once called his own, strummed at the age of 21 against New Zealand, “a stepping-stone”. Smith joins this group.

He came through a Surrey system that increasingly resembles an England pathway programme; see Atkinson and Ollie Pope for more. A cricket scholarship at the fee-paying Whitgift School, which counts Jason Roy and Rory Burns as former students, will not have hurt.

Then there’s the talent that has long been evident and discussed at length, trumpeted in the game’s circles when he was starting out in the county first team. Mark Butcher remembers a phone call from Ian Chappell years ago, the former Australia captain impressed by Smith’s work in grade cricket.

A first-class debut in 2019 produced a century and a 266-run stand with Pope, and momentum began to gather with three County Championship hundreds in 2021. An 82-ball 126 for the Lions against Sri Lanka A in Galle last year helped set up a Test debut at Lord’s. Cue the inevitable half-century. So when Smith perished for 95 against West Indies at Edgbaston last month, bowled by a low one from Shamar Joseph, it didn’t feel as if his world had come undone. The landmark would come soon enough.

Resuming unbeaten on 72 from Thursday, Smith looked as if he’d slept better than the opposition. Sri Lanka appeared off it from the first ball, a misfield gifting Smith a single through mid-on to advance to 73. Asitha Fernando, so impressive the previous day, making the ball sway and jig, had his first over bookended by two delicious boundary drives, one through long-off, the other through and extra cover.

Smith slowed up but didn’t struggle in the nineties, with 19 balls required to get through it, no visible fears of having to wait another day for three figures. History came with the moment. Smith, 24 years and 42 days old, became the youngest gloveman to hit a Test century for England.

A Rising Star

Smith’s century, scored in his fifth Test match, is a testament to his potential and his ability to perform on the biggest stage. He has shown that he can not only be a reliable wicketkeeper but also a valuable batsman in the middle order. He has a knack for scoring runs quickly, a valuable asset in modern-day cricket.

A Measured Performance

Smith’s century was not a brute force, hammer-blow effort. It was a measured performance that saw him build his innings steadily and take his time to reach three figures. He showed great composure and focus under pressure, qualities that will be essential for him to succeed at the highest level.

A Test Hundred to Remember

Smith’s achievement is a significant moment in his career, one that will undoubtedly be a highlight of his cricketing journey. He has now established himself as a key player in the England team and will be looking to build on this success in the years to come.

What's Next for Smith?

Smith’s Test hundred comes at a time when England are looking for a reliable wicketkeeper-batsman. The team has struggled to find a consistent performer in that role for several years. Smith’s emergence as a potential long-term solution to this problem is a welcome development for England. He is set to be a key player for the team in the years to come, both in Test cricket and potentially in other formats. However, his ability to succeed in the white ball format remains a question mark. The recent criticism of his form with the bat in the limited-overs format will require him to be prepared to work harder to improve his batting in all formats.

A New Era for England?

Smith’s arrival on the international scene, coupled with the emergence of other young players, suggests that England cricket is in a strong position for the future. With a number of talented players in their ranks, England are capable of achieving great things in the years to come. There is a buzz around the team and a sense of optimism that has not been present for some time. Whether this will translate into success on the field remains to be seen, but the potential is certainly there.

A Legacy in the Making

Smith's rise to international success will continue to be a fascinating story to follow. He has the potential to be a world-class player for many years to come, and his journey is just beginning. England will be looking to him to help them achieve their ambitious goals and to cement his legacy as one of the great English wicketkeeper-batsmen of his generation.