Andrew Michael Smith, born and raised in Yorkshire, England, is a former cricketer who made a significant impact in county cricket during the 1990s. Known for his impeccable swing bowling skills, Smith was a left-arm bowler who relied on his ability to move the ball in the air to trouble batsmen.
Despite being overlooked by his home county of Yorkshire, Smith’s talent was recognized when he made his debut for Gloucestershire in 1991, having previously represented the Combined Universities. At a height of just 5′ 9″ and lacking exceptional pace, his slight physique did not hinder his ability to create difficulty for batsmen.
Smith’s breakthrough season came in 1995 when he was selected for the England A tour of Pakistan. However, a rib injury cut short his participation in the tour after bowling only 22 overs. Undeterred, he returned to county cricket the following summer and showcased his skills by taking an impressive 60 wickets.
In 1997, Smith was rewarded for his consistent performances when he made his Test debut against Australia. Unfortunately, luck was not on his side as he found the edge of Matthew Elliott’s bat early on, only for the catch to be dropped by Graham Thorpe at slip. Elliott went on to score 199 in that innings as Australia took a commanding lead in the series. Smith, unable to find a breakthrough in his 23 overs, later admitted that it was the only game all summer where he struggled to swing the ball. This missed opportunity served as a setback for his international career.
Despite the disappointment at the international level, Smith continued to be a key contributor for Gloucestershire in one-day cricket. Known for his consistency and accuracy, he constantly troubled even the best batsmen on good pitches with his skiddy pace. However, as injuries began to take a toll on his body, he decided to retire from professional cricket at the end of the 2004 season.
Throughout his career, Andrew Michael Smith exhibited exceptional skills as a swing bowler, making him a force to be reckoned with in county cricket. His ability to trouble batsmen with his unique style and movement in the air solidified his place as one of the foremost exponents of swing bowling during his era.
Despite the missed opportunities at the international level, his impressive contributions to Gloucestershire and his reputation as a consistent performer will forever be remembered in the annals of county cricket.
