Contributions like those are exactly what the rookie is targeting as his introduction to international cricket culminates in a potentially key role at the Champions Trophy.
Smith edged out tournament specialist Jimmy Neesham for a seam-bowling all-rounder spot in the squad for this month’s ODI event, where conditions could enhance his impact with ball and bat.
The Black Caps are unsure of what to expect for fixtures against the hosts in Karachi, Bangladesh in Rawalpindi and India in Dubai, variance that may negate the preponderance of spin traditionally expected of a subcontinental tournament.
And with Lockie Ferguson under an injury cloud after straining a hamstring while playing franchise cricket in the UAE, Smith’s right arm should be especially valuable ahead of a warm-up tri-series that starts tonight against Pakistan in Lahore.
Before making his ODI bow on a tour of Sri Lanka in November, the 26-year-old had raised his hand highest for Wellington in first-class cricket, and a test debut subsequently came in the home series against England.
Seven wickets and some impressive spells followed in the first two matches, before he was omitted in favour of an out-of-form Tim Southee for the latter’s retirement test at Seddon Park. But Smith never felt aggrieved by those circumstances – quite the opposite – and relished every opportunity to even train with a silver fern on his chest.
“You always want more but to be a part of this group day in and day out, thinking of the bigger picture, getting better every day, this is the group you want to be in,” he said. “I rocked up to the nets every day and I was bowling to Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham. So those things, you can’t take for granted.
“Tim Southee was a guy I looked up to my whole life and to play a series with him was amazing. He’s a guy I modelled my career off – I was just a young outswing bowler back in the day, so he was a guy I looked up to a lot, and it was special to share a changing room with him.
“You probably upskill without even knowing it, being around these guys so often and just the combos you have every day. They’re the special things, I think, as well as being able to go out and represent New Zealand and put your skills forward on the global stage.”
Will O'Rourke and Nathan Smith at the Champions Trophy squad announcement. Photo / Photosport
That opportunity will crest in the coming weeks as the Black Caps attempt to recapture a piece of silverware they claimed when it was known as the Knockout Trophy in 2000.
Smith, as he showed against England, would offer captain Mitchell Santner a valuable seam option, while his ability with the bat saw him preferred in the squad over Jacob Duffy.
Defining his white-ball duties, Smith said: “Being one of the four seamers in the side and being able to bat and finish innings – coming in, probably looking like the 35th over onwards, adding a little bit of impetus there with the bat and hopefully making an impact.
“But with the role I’m playing, it’s just about contributions as well, wherever they are. They might not be massive scores, but they might be tight spells or bits of fielding and little cameos.”
A highlight-reel catch in an ODI against Sri Lanka earned praise from one of the game’s greats – Tendulkar posted the clip while adding “who said flying is just for planes and birds” – as Smith discovered when alerted by his mum.
But preparing to face some modern greats, he would be overawed by no opponent. “As soon as you cross that line, I’m a bit of a competitor, so I feel like I can get anyone out.”
Kris Shannon has been a sports journalist since 2011 and covers a variety of codes for the Herald. Reporting on Grant Elliott’s six at Eden Park in 2015 was a career highlight.
