Ed Smith - Perfect Timing?

Ed Smith of Kent yesterday scored his third County Championship century in successive innings and his fifth hundred during the first half of July when he struck a lifetime-best 203 at picturesque Stanley Park, Blackpool.

Coming in first wicket down, he replaced Robert Key at the crease in what could just possibly be construed as an omen for the forthcoming first test match against South Africa, for watching in the wings was an observant Geoff Miller, England selector.

Smith played very correctly on a wicket which was by no means straightforward to bat on - dry, yet skiddy with bounce which would at best be described as 'indifferent' - but it was a far from indifferent approach by Smith who in the process of his marathon became the first batsman to go past 1,000 runs this season..

Against a Lancashire attack which comprised the seam of Martin and Chapple together with the gentle off-breaks of former West Indian skipper Carl Hooper and precious little else, Smith was quite brilliant. Playing almost exclusively off the front foot and hitting the ball 'on the up', he stroked 35 fours and a six in a five hour maiden double hundred.

The manner of his dismissal will give Lancashire little consolation as the game progresses - a three-quarter length ball from Hooper almost scuttled along the ground, striking off stump just above the base.

Kent comfortably saw the day out on 384-4. If Smith does not tickle the fancy of the England selectors this week, it will be interesting to see whether he can compile 1,000 runs during the calendar month - a feat many feel is now impossible following the advent of one-day cricket.

Posted by Eddie