All at Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Mike Smedley at the age of 84. 

Born in Maltby on 28 October 1941, Smedley was a promising cricketer from a young age and in 1961 was chosen for England Schools, having already been selected for Yorkshire Seconds.

He joined Notts in 1963, played successfully for the Second XI in his initial summer and made his First-Class debut in 1964. An attractive orthodox batsman, he began with the county going in first wicket down. During 1965 he continued to progress and early in 1966 caught the eye of ‘those at Lord’s’ being picked for the MCC v Yorkshire. Later in the same year he appeared for Gilligan’s XI v West Indies. The end of season report commented: “A new young batting personality in Smedley made further progress and his style and manner of making runs was most pleasing.”

Added to this he was considered one of the best cover fielders in county cricket. He continued to improve and in 1971 hit 1,718 runs including six centuries. Against Lancashire at Old Trafford he made a century in each innings.

With the retirement of Jackie Bond as Notts’ manager-captain after the 1974 summer, Smedley was chosen as skipper for 1975. He had in fact led Notts in a number of matches since 1973.

During the 1975 season Smedley’s greatest success came in the John Player League. A decisive victory over Worcestershire in July put Notts in contention for the title, but variable results thereafter meant the side ended in fifth place – disappointing but a vast improvement on 1974 when they gained the wooden spoon.

At the close of the 1977 season, Smedley agreed to stand down as captain; Rice was appointed for 1978. Then came the brouhaha over Rice signing for World Series Cricket. Rice was sacked by Notts, threatened to sue, was reinstated as a player, but the captaincy returned to Smedley. He stayed in the role until the summer of 1979. 

After leaving Notts, Smedley rejoined his old Bassetlaw League side, Kiveton Park. He continued to appear in club cricket until well into his 50s. In 2000 Smedley was elected President of the Bassetlaw League. He was elected President of the County Club at the Nottinghamshire AGM in 2010.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones.