A short, stocky right-handed batsman, Ben Smith came up through the Leicestershire youth system to make his first-class debut in 1990 and then go on the England Under-19 tour to New Zealand that winter. He impressed immediately with the quality of his strokeplay and clean hitting, which made him equally adept at both championship and one-day cricket. His outstanding fielding is also a very positive asset in both forms of the game. He was in danger of becoming pigeonholed as a one-day specialist before he blossomed in 1996, scoring 1243 runs at 47.80, as Leicestershire won the first of two titles in three years. The limited-overs tag disappeared with solid performances in subsequent seasons. But despite being Leicestershire's vice-captain, he quit the county (which was by then in considerable turmoil) and moved to Worcestershire where he made an immediate impression, succeeding Graeme Hick as captain in 2003. He caused a stir when he stepped down as skipper - mid-match - in August 2004, saying he wanted to concentrate on his batting. At the time he resigned he was already averaging almost 59 in the Championship that year and has continued to be a consistent run-maker in the following seasons.
Martin Williamson August 2006

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May 2, 2008 David Lucas celebrates the wicket of Ben Smith © Getty Images

Apr 23, 2008 Up on his toes, Ben Smith cuts © Getty Images

Jul 28, 2007 Mark Butcher takes evasive action as Ben Smith drives © Martin Williamson

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