Former New Zealand wicket keeper turned commentator Ian Smith joined was awarded New Zealand Cricket’s premier award-Bert Sutcliffe Medal- for his outstanding services to the game on Tuesday.
Ian Smith was presented with the Bert Sutcliffe Medal by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chairman Greg Barclay in a virtual ceremony.
He joined some illustrious former team-mates like Walter Hadlee, Graham Dowling, Merv Wallace, John Reid, Ewen Chatfield and Sir Richard Hadlee, as the recipient of New Zealand Cricket’s premier award.
The commentator, showed his gratitude to the New Zealand Cricket while accepting the honor and dedicated it to his wife Louise.
Attending the ceremony from his home in Hawkes Bay, the former cricketer said: “I’m so grateful and it makes me quite emotional actually to think about joining the list of people who have already won this award.”
Playing Aspect Was The Realization Of A Dream
Ian Smith, arguably the most recognized commentators of the era, has called many of New Zealand’s greatest cricket moments since the turn of the century and has commentated on a whopping 112 tests at home.
Smith, who is recognized as one of the country’s finest glove-men of New Zealand Cricket, palyed 63 Tests and 98 ODIs in a span of 12 years from 1980 to 1992 including the 1992 World Cup when New Zealand reached to the semi finals.
“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.”
Smith
Ian Smith Loves Every Minute Of Calling The Game
After his retirement, the former NZ wicket keeper turned a commentator and has been calling the action for two decades. Smith was one of the commentators who called the action in ODI world cup final 2019, which is considered one of the most entertaining and thrilling World Cup Final till date.
Remembering his commentary carrier, smith said: “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 Taylor’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.”
Meanwhile, Barclay, the NZC chairman, complimented Smith for his outstanding services to the game. “Thanks also for being true to yourself too. You’re a special figure in cricket, you’re held in high esteem throughout the game.”
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