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Cricket Ireland have expanded Ben Smith’s contract as a consultant batting and fielding coach.

The 45 year-old former Leicestershire coach will now work 100 days in the role, helping both players based in the UK as well as Ireland.

“Ben was outstanding working with players and coaches in the UAE and India over the latter part of the winter,” said Cricket Ireland Performance Director Richard Holdsworth.

“He was able to give greater time to the batters, and work with the players on the bench not involved in the actual playing XI. He has a great deal of experience and we are very pleased to have agreed a consultancy role for Ben on a more regular basis.

“With eight contracted players based in the UK, and Ben himself based in the Midlands, it will be ideal to have a coach working closer and regularly with the players there, monitoring their programme and development,” added Holdsworth.

Part of Smith’s brief will be to improve Ireland’s fielding, which plays such a pivotal role in the modern game.

“Fielding is an area we have identified for a while that we must improve further in; whilst there have been periods where we have looked much better, we still need to improve further, and Ben will focus on this both in camps in Ireland, La Manga and overseas.”

Smith had a distinguished playing career with Leicestershire, Worcestershire and Central Districts scoring a combined 28,676 runs, which included 40 first-class centuries.

As well as coaching the first-team at Leicestershire, Smith has held roles with both Worcestershire and the ECB Development Squad.

He holds an ECB Level Four coaching badge, and recently worked in New Zealand as a specialist coach with Central Districts.

“I am delighted to be rejoining Cricket Ireland during this exciting time of their newly awarded full ICC membership and test status,” said Smith.

“I am excited once again to be able to work with Ireland’s many talented players, experienced coaches and dedicated support staff on building success for the future.”


Cricket Ireland
“I am delighted to be rejoining Cricket Ireland during this exciting time of their newly awarded full ICC membership” Ben Smith
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