SMITH LIFTS GLOOM

Jamie eyes maiden ton as hosts get noses in front

- GARY FITZGERALD

JAMIE SMITH waved his bat high like shining beacon in the Manchester gloom to help England get out of trouble and guide them into a first Test lead.

The Surrey star is rapidly proving himself a thoroughbred Test performer. And he will awake this morning unbeaten on 72 and with his sights firmly focused on ensuring this time he reaches the century finishing line.

Smith, 24, took to the international stage as if he was born for it with impressive and stylish knocks during the 3-0 series triumph over West Indies ast month.

But he is clearly a young man on a mission, having missed out on a maiden Test ton after scoring 70 and 95.

Well, he notched his third halfcentury here in four Tests to help England close a rain-shortened second day on 259-6-a lead of 23.