Ray Smith (cricketer)

Ray Smith (10 August 1914 – 21 February 1996) was an English cricketer. He played for Essex between 1934 and 1956.¹

Smith was a prominent all-rounder in the post-war Essex cricket team, alongside his cousin Peter.² He was known for his dynamic bowling, often initiating the attack with rapid in-swingers, and then switching to less effective off-breaks.² Smith's batting was sporadically powerful, with three of his eight first-class centuries recorded as the fastest in their respective seasons.² Notably harsh on off-spinners, he once left bowler Jim Laker exasperated.² Contrary to fast-bowling norms, Smith's appeals were delivered in a soft, aristocratic voice.²

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.² His final home match saw Essex secure its first victory over Yorkshire since the war, with Smith scoring the winning runs.²