CDCA is extremely proud to congratulate Ian Smith, MBE as the latest recipient of NZC’s prestigious Bert Sutcliffe Medal for Outstanding Services to Cricket, announced today as part of NZC’s 2020 ANZ New Zealand Cricket Awards.

The beloved former New Zealand wicketkeeper — and then, outstanding sports commentator in both cricket and rugby, was born in Nelson and, as a young man, learned and developed his cricket career in CDCA colours.

Smith played 59 first-class matches for the Central Stags — making his mark with 140 catches and 11 stumpings, as well as three centuries and 10 half centuries amid 2,265 runs.

That was in addition to 33 one-day matches for CD, but of course the bulk of his summers was spent representing New Zealand as the country’s popular and longtime number one keeper-batsman in the 80s and early 1990s, until retiring in the wake of the bittersweet, yet iconic, 1992 Cricket World Cup semi-final.

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“Smithy” played 63 Tests and 98 ODIs, but it’s perhaps behind the microphone that he has made his most far-reaching impact – calling many of New Zealand’s greatest cricket moments of the past two decades, and having commentated a whopping 112 Tests at home. 

“I’m so grateful,” this season's deserving Bert Sutcliffe Medal winner said via a video call from his home in Hawke’s Bay, upon having been presented with the honour in the virtual awards. 

“It makes me quite emotional, actually, to think about joining the list of people who have already won this award. 

“The playing aspect was the realisation of a dream. I fondly remember the times keeping to Sir Richard Hadlee, watching Martin Crowe bat sides into submission, and all the other guys playing their part as well.

Shell Trophy champions of 1986/87: CD team, Ian Smith 3rd from left, front row

“I’ve loved every minute of calling Test cricket. Brendon [McCullum’s] 300 will live forever in my mind; Test wins at Lord’s; Hobart; Ross Tayor’s 290; the draw at Eden Park with so much drama against England; and of course the World Cup Final at Lord’s last year. 

“I dedicate this award to my wife Louise. Anyone who’s been involved with touring and cricket will know you have to have a base and Louise has been fantastic the whole time, and has brought up three great sons in [former All White and professional footballer] Jarrod, [Hawke’s Bay and Chapple Cup-winning cricket captain] Jake and Angus. 

“I also want to thank my teammates throughout my playing career who made it all possible to have the success that I had. 

“Also, the people I’ve worked with and, in particular, the people over the past two decades at SKY Television who have provided cricket coverage. I was part of it from day one right to the very end, and I will never forget the friends I’ve made and the hard work they put in. 

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“I also thank New Zealand Cricket. I thank the Board, I thank [award presenter] Greg Barclay, David White and all those people who have helped along the way. 

“It’s been a great journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for a second.” NZC Chairman Barclay congratulated Smith on behalf of everyone in the wider cricket family. 

“Thanks for being such a great contributor to the game,” he told Smith. “It’s a wonderful achievement and you should be very, very proud. 

“Thanks also for being true to yourself too, you’re a special figure in cricket, you’re held in high esteem throughout the game — and once again congratulations.” 

Smith joins a distinguished list of former internationals to win the award including Walter Hadlee, Merv Wallace, John R. Reid, Graham Dowling, Sir Richard Hadlee and Ewen Chatfield. 

Article added: Tuesday 28 April 2020