In a surprising move, England has promoted Jamie Smith to bat at number three in their opening match of the Champions Trophy against Australia in Lahore. This decision comes as part of a strategic shift in England's batting lineup, aiming to bolster their top order. The choice is notable as Smith, despite impressing in Test cricket, has yet to score a fifty in his seven one-day internationals. England's captain, Jos Buttler, has expressed confidence in Smith's potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming matches.
In recent performances, Joe Root has shown a stark contrast in his batting success depending on when he enters the game. Root averages 18.8 in 17 matches when arriving during the powerplay but sees a significant improvement with an average of 74.2 when facing his first ball after the 10th over. Traditionally, Root excelled as a number three batsman during England's victorious 2019 World Cup campaign. However, with the current changes, he will not be occupying that crucial position.
"We just feel like it's a nice combination for us at the moment," said Jos Buttler regarding the new lineup.
Jos Buttler's own form has seen fluctuations since becoming captain in 2022. His average in the format has decreased from 41.2 to 33.13 post-captaincy. Despite this, Buttler remains optimistic about his role and impact on the team.
"It's where I've had the most impact and I want to try and double down on that super strength of being in the middle order, playing impactful innings and being really true to my own identity as a cricketer," Buttler stated.
The decision to promote Smith mirrors a tactic England employed during the 2023 World Cup. They had Mitchell Marsh bat at number three ahead of established names like Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, seeking to inject aggression early in the innings. Buttler emphasized the aggressive potential of the new top three lineup, which includes Duckett, Salt, and Smith.
"That top three of Duckett, Salt and Smith can be really aggressive and impose themselves and try and play a match-defining innings, with the blanket of Root, Brook and myself and Livi [Liam Livingstone] behind," Buttler explained.
Buttler himself will bat at number six against Australia, a position where he aims to rediscover his form and contribute impactful innings.
"That's really something I'm tapping back into. Over a period of time that's the way I've played and that's what I want to get out of this tournament and going forward," Buttler added.
Despite some skepticism about Smith's lack of experience at number three—having filled this position only once in his career—Buttler speaks highly of the young cricketer's potential.
"He's a really exciting player, who has obviously taken to international cricket so well and we feel he's got a huge amount to offer in that role," Buttler praised.
Root's demotion from number three raises questions about how his skills will be utilized moving forward. Buttler has remained non-committal regarding Root’s influence on discussions about batting positions.
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