The England and Wales Cricket Board is saddened by the death of former England captain Mike ‘MJK’ Smith, aged 92.
Smith’s sporting prowess was clear from his days at Oxford University. While there, he represented England at rugby union, playing at outside centre against Wales. And his path to becoming a double sporting international was set with centuries in three consecutive Varsity cricket matches (1954-56). It was an achievement that was to confirm his trajectory on a cricketing career that saw him reach the very pinnacle of the sport.
Wearing his trademark glasses, he rose to prominence with Leicestershire CCC and Oxford University during the early-mid 1950s. But it was as a county batsman and captain with Warwickshire where he was peerless. Between 1957 and 1962, he made more than 2,000 runs in six consecutive seasons.
He was Warwickshire captain from 1957 to 1967 and during 637 first-class matches he scored 39,832 runs – the 18th most of all-time – at an average of 41.84 with 69 centuries.
Smith scored 2,417 runs for Warwickshire in 1959 – which remains the club record for a single season – and was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1960.
His form was so consistent that he captained the national side in half of his 50 Test appearances, including in tours of India, South Africa and Australia.
Having made his England debut in 1958 against New Zealand in Birmingham, he established himself as a regular feature in the Test side until 1972 when, in Nottingham, he made his final appearance against Australia.
A large part of that enduring career at the top level of the game was down to Smith’s spirit. He led from the front and without hesitation. Fielding at forward short leg, he once broke his wrist while trying to save his face. He was also easy to like, easy to deal with and showed consistently astute decision making.
He was a calm, authoritative and powerful presence in England’s line-up. He recorded centuries against India and West Indies and was halted in the 90s on four further occasions.
Smith retired from competitive cricket in 1975 and later served as chairman of Warwickshire County Cricket Club (1991-2003) and as an ICC match referee (1991-96). He was awarded an OBE for services to cricket in 1976.
ECB chair, Richard Thompson, said: “Mike was part of a group of former players who did so much both on and off the field. Having a player of Mike’s talent to chair a county as well as play for it was a huge benefit and Mike performed both roles with great distinction. His contribution to the game will not be forgotten.”
We are all at the ECB saddened by Mike’s passing. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.