Leicestershire CCC have announced the appointment of Ben Smith as the club’s new batting coach.

Smith scored 18,777 first-class runs at an average of 40.66 in a distinguished career, which included 8,606 for Leicestershire. The batsman, who came through as a young player at Grace Road, amassed twenty out of his 40 career centuries during his time at the club.

Smith scored 1,000 runs in a season on three occasions for Leicestershire, two of which came during the County Championship winning years.

His highest first-class score of 204 came during the Championship-clinching win at Surrey in 1998 and Smith was leading run-scorer in that season with 1,165 at a brilliant average of 64.72. He also played an important role in the 1996 triumph, scoring 1,068 runs at 46.43.

A fine one-day player, Smith racked up 5,569 List A runs during his twelve-year association, placing Smith as Leicestershire’s 8^th leading run-scorer in the history of List A cricket.

Smith went on to serve Worcestershire for nine seasons as a player and a further year as assistant coach.

Leicestershire Chief Executive Mike Siddall said:

“We are delighted to see Ben returning to Leicestershire in this important role. He has a great Leicestershire pedigree and his experience will be vital in helping our batsmen develop.”

Upon his return to Grace Road, Smith commented:

“I am delighted to take this opportunity to become the batting coach at Leicestershire and to be involved with the ongoing development of a very talented group of players, as well as working alongside the other coaches and also members of staff at the Club.

“I have very fond memories of playing cricket at Grace Road as both a junior and double Championship winning capped player so to return and be able to give something back to the players and the Club in a coaching capacity is very exciting”.

Head Coach Phil Whitticase added:

“I’m really pleased to have Ben on board as our batting coach. He brings enthusiasm, innovation and experience to the coaching team and I look forward to working with him.”