Ben Smith, who represented the Central Stags for two seasons between 2000 and 2002, will return back to Central Districts to take up a role as a Specialist Coach, supporting Head Coach Heinrich Malan during the McDonald’s Super Smash and Ford Trophy competitions.

After a First Class and List A career of 733 matches, where he scored a combined 28 676 runs, Ben, who is an ECB Level Four qualified coach, turned to coaching and has held various roles at Worcestershire and Leicestershire CCC as well as with the ECB Development Squad.

His overall experience, along with the fact that he has represented CD, means that he will be a valuable asset to the team during the white ball competitions. As the Stags continue to look to the future, a fresh perspective is always good in a team environment, and Smith will certainly provide that during his time in New Zealand.

“I am absolutely delighted to be involved with the Stags this season. I am confident that my experience as a player and coach will add to the development and successes of this talented group of cricketers”, commented Smith.

“This is an exciting opportunity and I am really looking forward to revisiting Central Districts to work alongside Heinrich, his staff, the players and all involved at the Stags”,  added Smith.

“We are really excited to have somebody with Ben’s extensive playing and coaching experience onboard with us this season. Having a fresh voice around the boys will no doubt have a positive impact heading into what is a very busy and exciting white ball period”, said Stags Coach, Heinrich Malan.

The appointment of Smith has meant that Jacob Oram will not be involved this season. “It was a tough call to make, and I know that Jacob is extremely disappointed not to be involved, but I support the decision to bring in Ben. This is not only about providing our players with new coaching energy, but also about giving Heinrich the chance to work with another experienced First Class Coach” said Chief Executive, Pete de Wet.

“A more focused High Performance Plan, that is closely aligned to that of New Zealand Cricket’s plan, has prompted us to take a different approach this season. We will revisit this as part of our post season review and assess whether this approach has delivered the success that we hope it will”, added de Wet.

Smith joins up with the Stags squad for round five of the Plunket Shield, and will remain until the end of the Ford Trophy.

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For more comment contact Pete de Wet CEO Central Districts Cricket