Smith’s ready to be captain

Nov 15 2008 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

HE appears to have one of the toughest jobs in county cricket, but Will Smith is thrilled to have been given the chance to succeed Durham’s most successful captain Dale Benkenstein, writes LUKE EDWARDS.

As revealed by The Journal in September, Benkenstein has stepped down as skipper after three years with Smith officially named the new captain yesterday.

Smith initially hoped Benkenstein – who has guided Durham to success in the Friends Provident Trophy and the County Championship in the last two years – would change his mind and continue to lead the side, but he could not hide his excitement at the opportunity.

He said: “The challenge doesn’t faze me. This is a massive honour and I’m delighted the club have asked me to be captain. I think the club wanted to make sure Dale really did want to step down before they offered it to me officially, but it means so much that both he and Geoff (Durham coach Cook) feel I am the best man to do the job.

“Of course they are big shoes I am stepping into. If you asked anyone associated with the club about Dale they would have nothing but positive things to say about him. He is a fantastic cricketer and a fantastic person as well.

“He has been a huge success at Durham and the good thing is he is going to be sticking around for a few more years as a player which can only be a good thing. The great thing about this team is that the players really captain themselves, but I’m confident I can do the job and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Smith is playing grade cricket in Australia over the winter and the former Durham University student is still coming to terms with the remarkable upturn in his career over the last 12 months. He captained the university side for two years and also skippered the British Universities team.

When Smith took a break from the game a year ago he feared his First Class career was in danger of coming to a premature end, but the 26-year-old has re-discovered his love for the sport and with it his form.

He said: “Everyone knows I thought about quitting last year, but I’ve come up with a formula which has got me runs at this level and I’m really enjoying my cricket again. I’ve taken on an extra responsibility next season.

“But I don’t think that will change, it’s massively important that I continue to do that.

“If anything I’m a little bit less intense about my cricket now and that has helped. I’m still extremely focused but I’m able to relax a little more now.

“That has worked for me last year and I expect that to continue.

“I’m not worried about the captaincy affecting my form.”