M. J. K. Smith

Encyclopedia : M : MJ : MJK : M. J. K. Smith

MJK Smith England (Eng)

Batsman>Batting style	Right-handed batsman (RHB)
Types of bowlers in cricket>Bowling type	n/a
	Tests	First-class
Matches	50	637
'''Runs scored	2278	39832
Batting average	31.63	41.84
100s/50s	3/11	69/241
Top score	121	204
Balls bowled	214	487
Wickets	1	5
Bowling average	128.00	61.00
5 Wicket>wickets in innings	0	0
10 Wicket>wickets in match	0	0
Best bowling	1/10	1/0
Catches/Stump (cricket)#Manner of dismissing a batsman>stumpings	53/0	595/0
Test debut: 5 June, 1958 Last Test: 18 July, 1972 Source: [link]

Michael John Knight Smith, usually known by his initials M. J. K., was an English cricket player. Born on June 30, 1933 in Leicester and educated at Stamford School and Oxford University, he played for Leicestershire from 1951 until 1955, and Warwickshire between 1956 and 1975.

A bespectacled right-handed batsman, Smith came to prominence playing for Oxford University, scoring centuries in three consecutive Varsity matches against Cambridge, from 1954 to 1956. Appointed captain of Warwickshire in 1957, he was one of the heaviest scorers in first-class cricket for the next 10 years, with 3,249 runs in 1959 as his highest aggregate. He remained as Warwickshire captain until 1967, then retired, but reappeared in 1970 and stayed until 1975.

Smith captained England in 25 of his 50 Test match appearances, yet in a period rich in batting talent he was rarely guaranteed a place. Uncertainty against fast bowling, particularly early in an innings, was exposed by a series of low scores in the mid 1960s, and Smith faced considerable press criticism, unusual for the time.

He also represented England at rugby union against Wales in 1956.

In recent years he has been chairman of Warwickshire County Cricket Club (1991-2003) and an ICC match referee (1991-1996). His son Neil Smith followed in his footsteps by captaining Warwickshire and playing, albeit only in one-day internationals, for England.

Preceded by:
Ted Dexter
Ted Dexter English national cricket captain
1963/4
1964/5-1965/6 Followed by:
Ted Dexter
Colin Cowdrey

External links

[Cricinfo Player Profile : Michael John Knight Smith]

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