After a fine 42 in the first innings, Root once again showcased his class, composure and clutch game in a tense run chase of 205 runs, scoring an unbeaten 62 in 128 balls, with two fours, coming in when England was 56/2.
Smith showed immense composure, versatility and class across both the innings as his century in first innings and a quick cameo in the run-chase proved to be vital in England's five wicket win over Lankan Lions in the first Test at Manchester.
Sri Lankan batters fought hard, with contributions from Kamindu Mendis, Angelo Matthews, Dinesh Chandimal, Silva and Milan Rathnayake standing out. But it still was not enough to overcome England, who were powered by contributions of their middle order in absence of their injured opener Zak
Root starred with a calm half-century during a tense run-chase while Smith smashed his maiden Test ton in the first innings to hand England a massive lead of 122 runs in the first innings, which proved to be instrumental in team's win.
England wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith on Friday slammed his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka and became the youngest to do so for the Three Lions in the history of this form of the game.
Coming in at 125/4 while aiming to overcome Sri Lanka's first innings total of 236 runs, Brook displayed immense maturity, toning down a bit on his naturally aggressive game to amass 56 runs in 73 balls, with four boundaries. His runs came at a strike rate of just over 76, way below his care
Legendary England bowler Stuart Broad reflected on young wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith's Test career, saying that he has been "superb" in his brief, but a promising career so far.
Since David Warner brought the curtain down on his illustrious Test career, Australia promoted Smith to the opening slot, but the batter has had a mixed bag of performances.
Smith, 35, hasn't dropped any hint about his retirement plans. With the T20 format set to be played at the LA 28 Olympics, Smith sees himself playing the shortest format of cricket in the next four years.