Jamie Smith credits Ian Bell for helping him reach milestone moment with England

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Jamie Smith thanked Ian Bell for his helping him become a Test centurion, even though the former England batter is currently behind enemy lines with Sri Lanka. Belly has been a great help for me both in the Lions and with Birmingham Phoenix for the last couple of years Jamie Smith “It felt really good to come away with that milestone today. He’s calm and I’m sure he’s going to be a massive part of this England team in all formats to come over a long time.” Smith certainly kept his emotions in check as he passed three figures for the first time in just his fifth innings, almost sheepishly raising his bat before knuckling back down to work. He is class and it's up to us now to find ways of getting him out in this series Ian Bell “I probably didn’t show it but inwardly I was obviously very happy with that milestone,” he added.