Smith grateful to McCullum for launching his England career

LONDON, SEPT 18: England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith aims to emulate Brendon McCullum's playing style after the New Zealander gave him his chance in both Test and one-day international (ODI) cricket this season.

It was McCullum, the head coach of England's red-ball side, who took the bold decision to install Smith as the Test team's wicketkeeper at the start of the home summer, with the 24-year-old leapfrogging the far more experienced duo of Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow into the role.

McCullum does not officially take charge of England's white-ball set-up until January, but there is no doubting the former New Zealand captain's influence ahead of Thursday's opener against 50-over world champions Australia at Trent Bridge.