New Delhi: Keeper-batter Jamie Smith said England were confident of chasing down their 371-run target against India under helpful batting conditions at Headingley on the fifth day of the first Test.
England won by five wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series with Ben Duckett (149), Zak Crawley (65), Root (53 not out) and Smith (44 not out) contributing in their second highest run chase in Tests.
“It was simple in that you knew you had to chase the runs and we weren’t going to block out for the draw,” Smith told ESPNCricinfo.
“We were always going to be positive and try to get the runs. It was a rapid outfield and as good a batting conditions as you could have on day five.
“It (wicket) wasn’t misbehaving too much as the Test went on, so you always felt as though you could keep it simple, you didn’t have to do things too out the box to get the runs which is very helpful.”
India looked for breakthroughs throughout the final day but England were determined to bat in simple fashion to deny the visitors any opportunity.
“When they’re trying to get 10 wickets and you’re chasing 370, it’s not everyday that gets done. There could have been some head-downs at the end but they kept trying all day,” he said.
‘Team backing me’
Smith also mentioned that the way he received support from the team management helped him bat aggressively, adding that India put up a significant challenge on the final day.
“It’s great. Having that belief from other people is something that definitely took my game to the next level,” he said.
“When you’re out there batting, it is you and your partner at the other end, so it’s quite individual, but to have that backing and trust that other people are doing the same thing, you don’t feel you’re alone when you’re doing what you feel is right in that moment.
“When you are caught on the boundary trying to hit the ball for six, you feel you’re not going to get a slap on the wrist. (The attitude is) ‘mate, that was a good option, the wind was howling that way’,” he added.
“I see a lot of chat about maybe some inexperience on their part but I thought they were fantastic throughout the five days.”