Mike Smith dies aged 92 after dual England cricket and rugby career
Mike Smith, the former England cricket captain and one of the nation's rare dual international sportsmen, has died at the age of 92. His death was announced on Monday by Warwickshire County Cricket Club, where he spent the majority of his career and later served as chairman.
Known widely by his initials MJK, Smith represented England in 50 Test matches between 1958 and 1972, captaining the side on 25 occasions. A right-handed batter, he scored 2,278 Test runs, including three centuries. His leadership record was notable, with his tenure resulting in five victories, 17 draws, and only three defeats.
Smith's sporting prowess extended beyond the cricket pitch. In 1956, he earned a cap for the England rugby union team in a match against Wales, making him one of the last individuals to represent England at the highest level in both sports.
His first-class cricket career was defined by a long and prolific association with Warwickshire, a club he joined in 1956 after beginning his career with Leicestershire and playing while studying at Oxford University. Appointed Warwickshire captain in 1957, he led the side for a decade. Over 637 first-class matches, he amassed 39,832 runs, a total...