It must be slightly galling for West Indies fans to see Smith, Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy and Sunil Narine plying their trade in the IPL while a Test series with England is being played but that is the unfortunate state of the game in the Caribbean.

But the Windies’ loss is Chennai’s gain as Smith displayed his aggression with the bat, putting on a huge 109 for the opening wicket alongside Brendon McCullum. The partnership set Chennai on their way and the Super Kings, with Smith in this sort of form, look very strong indeed.