This past week has been filled with thrilling cricket action, with various competitions in full swing. Sri Lanka took on England in a 3-match Test series, West Indies faced South Africa, and the County Championship also saw some intense battles. The Caribbean Premier League is around the corner, adding to the excitement. Among the standout performers were Jamie Smith, Jordan Cox, and Rehan Ahmed, who each made significant contributions to their teams.

Jamie Smith: Jamie Smith has been making waves since his debut for England, and his recent performance against Sri Lanka in the first Test only added to his growing reputation. After making his debut against the West Indies in July and impressing everyone with his skills, Smith was selected for the Sri Lanka series, and he did not disappoint. In the first Test, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 236 in their first innings, with Smith playing a key role behind the stumps, taking three catches and was involved in inflicting a run out.

When England came out to bat, they found themselves in a challenging situation at 125 for 4. It was at this crucial moment that Smith stepped up and played a brilliant counterattacking innings. He scored his first Test century, making 111 runs off just 148 balls. This century was particularly special for Smith, as he had narrowly missed out on one against the West Indies earlier. His innings was a mix of controlled aggression and solid technique, ensuring England took a significant lead.

Smith's contributions didn't stop there. In the second innings, with England chasing 205, they found themselves in a spot of bother again at 119 for 4. Smith once again played a crucial knock, scoring 29 runs from 48 balls. Though he was dismissed before the end, his innings had set the stage for an England victory. His all-round performance earned him the Man of the Match award, a testament to his growing importance in the England setup.

Jordan Cox: Jordan Cox, the right-handed batter from Essex, was initially part of England’s squad for the Sri Lanka series but was released to play in the County Championship for Essex. This decision proved to be a wise one, as Cox delivered an outstanding performance. In Essex’s first innings, they had a strong start with Dean Elgar scoring 136. After Tom Westley was dismissed, Cox came to the crease and immediately made an impact.

Cox was in top form from the beginning, displaying a blend of aggression and control. He went on to score a fantastic 141 runs off just 124 balls, including 18 fours and 2 sixes. His innings was a crucial part of Essex’s total of 438, giving them a solid foundation in the match. Cox’s ability to score quickly and build partnerships under pressure highlights his potential as a future star for both Essex and England.

Rehan Ahmed: Rehan Ahmed also had a solid performance in the County Championship, representing Leicestershire against Gloucestershire. Leicestershire got off to a good start in their first innings, with Ian Holland scoring a century. Rehan came out to bat after the fall of Peter Handscomb’s wicket, with the team at 147.