Last Updated on 3 weeks ago by Charbel Coorey
Graeme Swann has backed Jamie Smith to bounce back after a difficult Ashes series. The former England offspinner said the keeper-batsman looked frazzled by the end of the five-match series, but claimed he was still keeping well and there is enough to persist with.
“I like Jamie Smith, I do, but by the end he looked a bit frazzled, didn’t he by the end of the series,” Swann said on talkSPORT Cricket.
“He was still keeping well, but the shot he played in Sydney will go down in history. That’s an interesting spot because there’ll always be keepers coming through. I’d love to see whoever’s keeping be the energy of the team.”
Won’t be surprised if Jamie Smith has a huge 2026 summer – Graeme Swann
talkSPORT co-host Andy Jacobs then challenged Swann, claiming Ben Foakes did not deserve to be dropped. Foakes is considered one of the finest keepers in the world, and it is an area Smith struggled in during the Ashes.
“Foakes is clearly the best wicket-keeper, and he never let England down with the bat,” Jacobs said.
“I didn’t understand that decision. There have been some cliquey decisions about this group. You feel they sort of decided that he’s [Foakes] not the one and that Jamie Smith is the one, and sometimes that’s a bit odd because a bit like goalkeeping, go with the bloke who’s best at it.”
However, Swann doubled down and backed Smith for a big summer ahead. He believes the 25-year-old will be better for the experience.
“Well, Jamie Smith is good. He’s a brilliant cricketer and I wouldn’t be surprised if this summer he absolutely smashes it everywhere,” Swann said.
“He just had one of those tours and you know, I’ve been there. I’ve been on the receiving end as well. In Australia, when it starts to go badly, and everything piles up against you, it can be a pretty daunting place.
“So, he was frazzled by the end, but I think he’ll come back strong.”
Smith’s wicketkeeping and host of poor dismissals underpinned a tough Ashes. He dropped a regulation chance off Travis Head early in Australia’s first innings in the second Test at Brisbane, before failing to even attempt a catch that went between he and Joe Root. His foot and glovework suggests he is not the finished article yet.
Smith also came in for criticism regarding his batting. His shot off Marnus Labuschagne in the fifth and final Test at the SCG was particularly disappointing.
However, as Swann mentioned, there is every chance England persist with England’s number seven for the 2026 summer Tests against New Zealand and Pakistan. He still averages 41.48 with the bat after 20 matches, and a big summer can help rejuvinate Smith.
England’s first Test of their summer will begin on June 4 against New Zealand at Lord’s.
