David Smith wasn't always popular in county changing- rooms but his courage against the most hostile bowling was never in doubt. A tall (6'4") left-hand batsman, his upright stance and aggressive approach made Smith one of the most feared opponents in county cricket, but his volatile nature meant that others less capable but less fiery were usually preferred to him. He began his career at Surrey in 1973 but injuries and brushes with authority meant that he never quite developed as hoped, and in 1984 he moved to Worcestershire, where his ability to play fast bowling led to him being picked for England's 1985-86 Caribbean tour. He made only 1 and 0 on his debut at Kingston, but in the second Test top-scored in both innings with 47 and 32. A bad back ruled him out of the remainder of the Tests. In 1987 he returned - briefly - to The Oval before heading south to Sussex in 1989. In 1989-90 he was summoned to the Caribbean once again - as cover for the injured Graham Gooch - but broke his thumb on his first appearance and did not get a chance to play in any of the Tests. In 1993 he played one of the most memorable domestic one-day innings - 124 against Warwickshire in the NatWest final- but despite guiding Sussex to 321 for 7 he ended up on the losing side. On retiring he was appointed onto the coaching staff at Hove.
Martin Williamson