Ian Smith

A compact and efficient wicketkeeper, and a dogged late-order batsman, Ian Smith succeeded Warren Lees in the New Zealand side in Australia in 1980-81 and aside from a prolonged absence through injury in 1981-82, was a regular for more than a decade thereafter. His finest hour came at Auckland in 1990-91 when, arriving at the crease with New Zealand on 131 for 7 against India, he cracked a remarkable 173 off 136 balls including 24 off one over from Atul Wassan. It was the highest score by a Test No. 9. In 1991-92 he held seven catches in an innings against Sri Lanka, retiring after the World Cup that same season. He moved effortlessly into the commentary box and now travels the world in that capacity.
Martin Williamson