Commentary is not a competition: Ian Smith

CHENNAI: Former New Zealand wicket-keeper Ian Smith was known as a gutsy character during his playing days. The 63-year-old, who represented Kiwis in 63 Tests and 98 ODIs, traded his gloves for the microphone once he called it quits from the game. Smith is today regarded as one of the most recognizable voices on the commentary panel.
Sharing his views on the 'Inside Out Extra' show hosted on the ICC website, Smith recalled the greatest game he had the privilege to air his views on."The 2019 World Cup final at Lord's will have to be right up there as one of the greatest games of cricket I have seen or perhaps likely to see --- particularly when you consider what was at stake and the stage we were playing on," Smith recalled.
The Kiwis may have lost that match, but Smith was happy with a chord he was able to strike with fellow commentators Nasser Hussain and Ian Bishop. "I have always said this --- commentary is not a competition but it's a combination. When you work alongside people you bring the best out of each other. We struck a good combination with Nasser Hussain and Ian Bishop. Nasser is such a passionate Englishman and true professional. As far as I am concerned, I believe I am a cricket commentator from New Zealand and not a New Zealand cricket commentator. I am not here to fly the flag or be a cheerleader. Ian Bishop has always been one of the guys who remains balanced in airing his views. I even call him 'Judge Bishop' as the most balanced statements come from him," said Smith.
Smith recalled the 1999 England-New Zealand Test at Lord's --- which the visitors won --- as one of the most poignant moments in his commentary career. "When New Zealand were about to win for the first time against England in Lord's ---I was in commentary with the great Richie Benaud. Richie said New Zealand were on the verge of one their greatest things in cricket history as they needed just 3 runs to win, and put the microphone down. When the producer behind asked Richie where are you going --- Richie said leave it up to him --- meaning me. This is his moment and let him enjoy it. That was a poignant moment and it was a memory that made me think about how I would treat others in the commentary box," Smith pointed out.