Greg Smith retires from first-class cricket

Former Derbyshire and Essex all-rounder Greg Smith has announced his retirement from all first-class cricket to take up a new role as director of cricket development and head coach of Cornish club Penzance.

Smith, 32, was released by Essex at the end of last season but will now help Penzance develop an academy and strengthen their community links.

He is a former South Africa U19 international and came to England in 2004, joining Derbyshire two years later.

Smith said: “I played for 14 years and unfortunately had a few injuries that plagued me at the latter part of my career and I retire with no regrets.

“I was still looking at finding another county but when this job came up I had a long chat with my family and it was something I couldn’t turn down.

“Penzance are a very ambitious club and this is an exciting opportunity for me. I hope that I can help them to unearth and develop young players and to work closely with the local community.”