Smith backs Foxes Academy
Robin Smith during his playing days © Getty Images
Former England batsman Robin Smith will be lending his support to Leicestershire's bid to raise funds for their Academy, during the forthcoming World Cup.
Smith will be the guest speaker at a special lunch at Grace Road on the day of England's opening World Cup game against New Zealand.
The event, which will provide the opportunity for diners to follow England's fortunes in that one-day encounter in St Lucia, is being staged to raise money for Leicestershire's Academy on Friday March 16.
One of the highlights of Smith's successful international career was hitting the highest individual score by an England batsman in a One-Day International, an unbeaten 167 against Australia at Edgbaston in 1993.
Ahead of live World Cup coverage on a big screen in the Grace Road marquee, guests will enjoy a three course lunch, words of wisdom from guest speaker Smith and entertainment from a comedian, while there will be an auction of sporting memorabilia and a raffle.
Leicestershire chief executive Paul Maylard-Mason said: "This should be a fantastic way for people to get into the World Cup spirit with one of England's most exciting batsmen of recent times.
"I am sure Robin will prove to be as popular and as entertaining for cricket-lovers on this particular occasion as he was when he walked out to bat and we are most appreciative of his support for an event which aims to raise money for our youth development programme.
"There should be added interest now in the World Cup due to the fact that England have enjoyed some long overdue success in Australia and we are, of course, all proud of the part which our own Paul Nixon has played in the triumph in the Commonwealth Bank Series.
"All being well, Paul's inclusion in the World Cup squad will be confirmed later this week and we hope Stuart Broad is selected as well."
The event starts at 12.30pm with a drinks reception before the lunch and a bar will remain open until the end of the England-New Zealand game, should diners wish to stay until the end of the match.
Tickets are priced at £40.00 each, but a table of 10 can be booked for £375.00. To place a booking or obtain more information about the lunch, contact Jasmine Chauhan on 0871 282 1879.
