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England wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith has stated that Brendon McCullum told him that he will have the keeping duties during the five-match ODI series against Australia after the final Test against Sri Lanka. The youngster's statement came ahead of the first ODI against Australia, beginning on Thursday, September 19, in Nottingham.
Smith showed considerable promise with the bat and gloves over the six Tests against the West Indies and Sri Lanka this summer. The 24-year-old has accumulated 487 runs in six Tests alongside a best of 111, averaging 48.70. Jos Buttler's absence from the squad is likely another reason that the right-hander will keep wickets.
Speaking to reporters, the Surrey cricketer said, as quoted by The Daily Mail:
"I found out just after the Test finished at the Oval, it's a pretty quick turn around so Baz (Brendon McCullum) told me I was going to be keeping."
The youngster, along with Harry Brook, was rested for the preceding three-game T20I series against Australia. Smith has promising List A numbers as he averages 39.45, having featured in 17 matches and scored 434 runs.
"It's always the rivalry that's talked about so it will be exciting" - Jamie Smith ahead of facing Australia
The youngster also stated that he is excited about facing Australia, given the high-profile matches the rivalry produces. The 24-year-old suggested that he is keen to play more 50-overs cricket, given he has not played the format much. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:
"It's extremely exciting whenever you play Australia. It will be my first time so it's very exciting. That sort of rivalry brings out the best cricket. It's really exciting to be a part of the ODI stuff. I've not really played too much in this format but to get some more international experience is really important. It's always the rivalry that's talked about so it will be exciting to play these games against them and let's see where we get to."
Australia had beaten England the last time these two played a bilateral ODI series on English soil.
