Will Smeed: England’s Power-Hitting Star

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William Conrad Francis Smeed (born 26 October 2001) is an English cricketer who made his Twenty20 debut for Somerset in the 2020 T20 Blast on 11 September 2020. On 10 August 2022, he became the first player to score a century in The Hundred, smashing an unbeaten 101 off 50 balls for Birmingham Phoenix against Southern Brave.

In November 2022, Smeed announced his decision to step away from red-ball cricket to focus solely on the shorter formats. Making this choice at just 21 years old, some viewed it as a reflection of the diminishing importance of red-ball cricket. Writing for The Guardian, Barney Ronay remarked that Smeed, who excels at launching sixes into the stands, retired from first-class cricket without ever playing a match, as only one format truly represents the future.

Smeed attended prep school at Millfield, where he played multiple sports, including rugby, football, hockey, tennis, and hurdles, along with cricket. From ages 13 to 18, he studied at King’s College, Taunton, as part of their cricket program. Excelling academically, he earned A* grades in maths, further maths, chemistry, and physics at A Level. He is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in maths and economics through the Open University.

In April 2022, Birmingham Phoenix secured Smeed for The Hundred that season. He made his List A debut on 14 July 2022 for England Lions during South Africa's tour of England.

 

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Somerset's Smeed signs all-formats deal for 2025​

Somerset batter Will Smeed has amended his contract with the club to enable him to play all formats of the game in 2025.

The 23-year-old has been on a white-ball only contract since 2022 and agreed new terms last summer until the end of 2026.

However, the updated terms will see Smeed available to play county cricket for the first time this campaign.

In three matches for the second team at the end last season, Smeed averaged 49.50 and he is very keen to play more red-ball games.

"I'm desperate to play more cricket than I did last summer," Smeed told the club website., external

"I picked up an injury and it felt like I hadn't really played any cricket. I played a few second XI red-ball games towards the end of last year and really enjoyed it. That's when I started to think that this would be a good option.

"Watching how the team went about things in the Championship last year was great and some of the wins were absolutely insane. It would be crazy to not want to be a part of that team."

Smeed has been with Somerset since under-10 age grade and made his debut in 2020, signing professional terms a year later.

He has gone on to make 64 T20 appearances, scoring 1,669 runs including 12 half-centuries and was part of the 2023 Blast-winning side.

A year earlier, Smeed became the first batter to hit a century in The Hundred, playing for Birmingham Phoenix.

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry said Smeed's return will "add depth" to their batting in the four-day game.

"We all know Will has a huge amount of potential, and his return to multi-day cricket will certainly add depth to our County Championship batting options," Hurry said.

"When he initially signed a white-ball contract, he always made it clear that the door was not closed to the red-ball game, and I know our members and supporters will be excited by the prospect of him now being available to be considered for selection in all formats for the club."

Somerset start their County Championship season at home to Worcestershire on Friday, 4 April.

Will Smeed: Somerset batter to play all formats in 2025

Somerset batter Will Smeed amends his contract with the club to enable him to play all formats of the game in 2025.

www.bbc.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

Somerset's Smeed signs all-formats deal for 2025​

Somerset batter Will Smeed has amended his contract with the club to enable him to play all formats of the game in 2025.

The 23-year-old has been on a white-ball only contract since 2022 and agreed new terms last summer until the end of 2026.

However, the updated terms will see Smeed available to play county cricket for the first time this campaign.

In three matches for the second team at the end last season, Smeed averaged 49.50 and he is very keen to play more red-ball games.

"I'm desperate to play more cricket than I did last summer," Smeed told the club website., external

"I picked up an injury and it felt like I hadn't really played any cricket. I played a few second XI red-ball games towards the end of last year and really enjoyed it. That's when I started to think that this would be a good option.

"Watching how the team went about things in the Championship last year was great and some of the wins were absolutely insane. It would be crazy to not want to be a part of that team."

Smeed has been with Somerset since under-10 age grade and made his debut in 2020, signing professional terms a year later.

He has gone on to make 64 T20 appearances, scoring 1,669 runs including 12 half-centuries and was part of the 2023 Blast-winning side.

A year earlier, Smeed became the first batter to hit a century in The Hundred, playing for Birmingham Phoenix.

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry said Smeed's return will "add depth" to their batting in the four-day game.

"We all know Will has a huge amount of potential, and his return to multi-day cricket will certainly add depth to our County Championship batting options," Hurry said.

"When he initially signed a white-ball contract, he always made it clear that the door was not closed to the red-ball game, and I know our members and supporters will be excited by the prospect of him now being available to be considered for selection in all formats for the club."

Somerset start their County Championship season at home to Worcestershire on Friday, 4 April.

Will Smeed: Somerset batter to play all formats in 2025

Somerset batter Will Smeed amends his contract with the club to enable him to play all formats of the game in 2025.

www.bbc.com

Remember him playing for Quetta Gladiators—no idea where he disappeared after that.

But now glad to see his dedication to red-ball cricket.