Falcons put faith in new boy Smit

DERBYSHIRE fans could be forgiven for googling their stand-in captain, but Daryn Smit insists he has what it takes to steer the Falcons to the T20 knock-out stages.

The South African keeper was plying his trade for Lancashire club side Ramsbottom a year ago, but is now at the forefront of the Falcons’ T20 charge in place of Gary Wilson, who is on duty with Ireland.

Smit, 33, got off to a dream start on Tuesday as he scored the winning runs to hand the Falcons a threewicket victory over Durham, putting them on the brink of a quarter-final place – which they can clinch against Worcestershire today.

“It came out the blue, I was not expecting to be asked to lead the lads and it’s a privilege,” he said. “It’s the first time I’ve played county cricket so to be asked is showing I made an impact in a short time.

“I’ve captained back in South Africa so it’s not totally new and, as a senior player and keeper, you think as a leader. Captaincy is made easier or harder by the players – when they do their jobs and come to the party it makes it easier.”

As a veteran of 133 firstclass matches in his native South Africa, it is a wonder why it has taken him so long to crack the English county game. He spent two seasons with Ramsbottom, scoring nearly 3,000 runs and was due to play this summer before Derbyshire called.

A true all-rounder, Smit is capable of playing as a middle-order batsman, keeper and leg spinner – with more than 100 first-class wickets to his name.

He has also played for South Africa A, but decided to move to England for a fresh challenge and, after three years, Derbyshire finally recognised his talent.

“I’d played 14 seasons in South Africa and was desperate for a new challenge. I loved playing in the Lancashire League and it was my goal to find a county,” he said.

“I was fortunate Derbyshire made me an offer. It’s a big challenge, very different to league cricket. The professional game is so different, the conditions and bowlers, it’s a great new challenge.

“I’ve struggled with the red ball as the ball swings for 80 overs but I am here permanently and I have a full winter to work on technical adaptions.”