JOS BUTTLER has backed “incredible talent” Jamie Smith to thrive in his surprise promotion to number three in the batting order for England’s Champions Trophy clash against Australia tomorrow.

Smith has ousted Phil Salt as wicketkeeper for England’s tournament opener in Lahore and is carded at first drop, despite never having batted higher than number five in 18 international appearances.

He averages 22.16 with a high score of 49 in seven ODIs but has impressed as wicketkeeper-batter in Tests since making his debut last July to end a long-running debate about the problem position.