January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Smith: I'm thinking about retiring
Smith: I'm thinking about retiring
The veteran batsman, who admits this could be his last Cup Match, said he wanted to post a match-winning score for St. George's.
Smith, who has scored three centuries in the last few weeks, said joining his brother Wendell and Charlie Marshall in the exclusive group of players to have passed the milestone was not something that was playing on his mind.
"It's not something I've ever thought of as a target of mine. If I achieve it, it will be a great accomplishment but I hope to go on from that to bigger and better things.
"When you think of all the great cricketers that have played Cup Match and only two of them have ever passed 1,000 runs that does give you a sense of satisfaction and joy, but it would be nice to get out there and add to the three Cup Match centuries I already have."
Smith said the whole St. George's team was excited at the prospect of sealing a third consecutive victory - something that has not been done since Cal 'Bummy' Symonds' day.
"I've played Cup Match for almost 20 years now and we've never come close to achieving anything of that nature. Two victories in a row is good but three would be exceptional."
Smith refused to confirm rumours that he was set to quit after this year's classic, but admitted that retirement was on his mind.
"This could possibly be my last Cup Match. I'm not going to rush into any decision on that.
"A lot depends on how I feel after the two days, how the body handles it. It (retirement) is definitely something I've considered."
As the end of his Cup Match career approaches Smith has no fears for the future of St. George's team.
"There are a lot of youngsters coming through. OJ Pitcher and Chris Foggo - from the batting point of view - are to my mind two of the best in Bermuda. They're talented, disciplined and they have the mental toughness to succeed,
"With the ball we have two of the best up and coming spinners on the island - Delyone (Borden) and Rodney Trott. St. George's has a very young team, apart from me and Charlie (Marshall)."
Smith has no doubt that if this is his last Cup Match, he'll be going out a champion.
"We should definitely be favourites. Our batsmen are hitting top form right now. I got a century at the weekend, Charlie got a century, Celestine got another big score, Chris Foggo is playing well. All our bats are in full flow and with George (O'Brien) in our arsenal we have the trump card with the ball.
"Somerset's biggest problem is how to handle George. They haven't worked him out yet. He's averaging out at nine wickets per game after two Cup Matches so that's a big problem for them right there."
Smith's only concern is the wicket.
The final trial game was not played on the Cup Match strip, which as yet remains an unknown quantity.
"That's the main concern. The wicket hasn't had any play on it this season. But if it is true to form I'm sure we'll come away with a victory."[[In-content Ad]]
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