Former Black Caps wicket-keeper and legendary cricket commentator

Overview

Ian Smith MBE is one of the most loved voices in world cricket — a former Black Caps wicket-keeper of 63 tests and 98 ODIs, and one of the great broadcasters of the modern game. His commentary on the climax of the 2019 Cricket World Cup final at Lord's, including the words "by the barest of margins, the barest of all margins," is one of the most replayed lines in cricket history. Today he is a sought-after speaker on teamwork, leadership, broadcasting and storytelling.

Who is Ian Smith? Born in Nelson in 1957, Ian moved with his family through Whanganui and Wellington before settling in Palmerston North. He played 63 tests and 98 ODIs for New Zealand between 1980 and 1992 — most famously hitting 173 off 136 balls from number nine against India in Auckland 1990–91, then the highest test score by a No. 9. He was awarded the MBE for services to cricket in 1994 and the Bert Sutcliffe Medal by NZ Cricket for outstanding services in 2020. He commentates for Sky Sport, Fox Sports, Nine Network and BBC Test Match Special, and currently hosts a morning radio show on SENZ from his Havelock North home.

Career Highlights • 63 tests and 98 ODIs for the Black Caps (1980–1992) • MBE for services to cricket, 1994 • Bert Sutcliffe Medal for outstanding services to NZ cricket, 2020 • 173 from 136 vs India, Auckland 1990–91 — then highest test score by a No. 9 • Iconic commentary at the 2019 Cricket World Cup final at Lord's • Commentator for Sky Sport NZ, Fox Sports, Nine Network and BBC Test Match Special

Key Speaking Themes • Teamwork and leadership across four decades in cricket • Storytelling, broadcasting and the craft of commentary • Performing under pressure on the world stage • The art of being calm in the biggest moments • Memorable stories from inside the game

What Your Audience Will Gain Ian is warm, witty and one of the great Kiwi storytellers. Audiences leave entertained, with a memorable evening of cricket and broadcasting stories — and quiet, generous insight on what teamwork, preparation and grace under pressure really look like.

Ideal For • After-dinner and gala-dinner speaking • Sports awards nights and cricket events • Corporate offsites and incentive events • MC and host roles • Industry and leadership conferences

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Ian Smith speak about? Teamwork, leadership, performing under pressure, broadcasting and stories from a 40-year career in cricket.

Where can I hear Ian Smith commentate? Sky Sport NZ, Fox Sports, Nine Network and the BBC's Test Match Special. He also hosts a morning radio show on SENZ.

How many tests did Ian Smith play for New Zealand? 63 tests and 98 ODIs between 1980 and 1992, as a wicket-keeper.

What is Ian Smith's iconic commentary moment? His call of the dramatic finish to the 2019 Cricket World Cup final between New Zealand and England at Lord's — including "by the barest of margins, the barest of all margins."

What awards has Ian Smith received? MBE for services to cricket (1994) and the Bert Sutcliffe Medal for outstanding services to NZ cricket (2020).
Is Ian Smith available for after-dinner and keynote events? Yes. Ian is a popular after-dinner speaker, MC and keynote across NZ, Australia and the UK.