Northamptonshire County Cricket Club have appointed Ben Smith as the Club’s new Batting Coach.
Born in Corby, Smith enjoyed a 20-year playing career with Leicestershire and Worcestershire between 1990 and 2010. He helped the Foxes win the County Championship title in 1996 before moving to New Road where he captained the side for two seasons.
In 334 first-class matches he scored nearly 19,000 runs including 40 centuries, and made 450 appearances in List A and Twenty20 cricket, with pushing 10,000 runs to his credit.
“I’m delighted to have joined Northamptonshire and to be working alongside John Sadler and his coaching team. It’s a great opportunity and I’m just really looking forward to getting back into county cricket.” Smith said.
“I’ve spent the last couple of seasons on commentary watching Northamptonshire on and off through the season and really enjoyed watching how they played their cricket.”
After retiring as a player, Smith filled coaching roles with both his former counties as well as England Lions and Central Stags in New Zealand. In 2017 he joined the coaching set-up with Cricket Ireland and worked closely with the Ireland squad following the country’s elevation to ICC Full Member status.
“Ben was a standout candidate through the interviews.” Head Coach John Sadler said.
“His record speaks for itself, he’s got international experience, county experience and he’s very passionate about batting. His character will fit in very well with the group so we’re excited to get him on board.”
Sadler highlighted how the role Smith played would be key within the Club.
“He’s going to connect with senior batters at the club, the younger batters but also have an eye on the next generation coming through and linking with the academy too.
“He’ll really oversee our whole batting unit so there’s a common thread up and down the system.”
Engaging with the batting group right through the club was something Smith was looking forward to.
“Looking at how the team has played over the last couple of years, and when you look at successful teams in county cricket, they’re the teams that are consistent.” Smith said.
“Performances on the field are what matter ultimately and it’s the processes that go on behind the scenes, how you train and prepare as a group that bring those consistent results. I’m looking forward to working towards that with the batters at every stage of their immediate careers.”