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Ray Smith

1914 – 1996

Cricketer

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About Ray Smith

Lived 1914 – 1996 (aged 81). Ray Smith was a British cricketer.

Ray Smith (10 August 1914 – 21 February 1996) was an English cricketer. He played for Essex between 1934 and 1956.

Career Smith was a prominent all-rounder in the post-war Essex cricket team, alongside his cousin Peter. He was known for his dynamic bowling, often initiating the attack with rapid in-swingers, and then switching to less effective off-breaks. Smith's batting was sporadically powerful, with three of his eight first-class centuries recorded as the fastest in their respective seasons. Notably harsh on off-spinners, he once left bowler Jim Laker exasperated. Contrary to fast-bowling norms, Smith's appeals were delivered in a soft, aristocratic voice.

Retiring in 1956, he missed the introduction of one-day cricket but had an accomplished career as a coach at Felsted and ran a restaurant outside Birmingham. His final home match saw Essex secure its first victory over Yorkshire since the war, with Smith scoring the winning runs.

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Important facts

People in Ray Smith's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Ray Smith's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Ray Smith?

cricketer (1914-1996)

When was Ray Smith born?

Ray Smith was born on 10 August 1914 in Boreham.

When did Ray Smith die?

Ray Smith died on 21 February 1996 in Kidderminster.

What was Ray Smith's occupation?

Ray Smith was a cricketer.

What nationality was Ray Smith?

Ray Smith was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Ray Smith

· Wikidata: Q16013748

· DBpedia: Ray Smith (cricketer)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Ray Smith. https://biography.guide/ray-smith-cricketer/

MLA: "Ray Smith." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/ray-smith-cricketer/.

Chicago: "Ray Smith." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/ray-smith-cricketer/.

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