Cricket: Smith - It's do or die

From the archive, first published Tuesday 14th Sep 1999.

ROBIN SMITH needs no reminders of what's riding on the most important game in his Hampshire cricketing career.

As Smith leads his side into the most crucial game of his short reign as Hampshire captain, he says: "We all know how high the stakes are in this game."

Hampshire go into tomorrow's clash against Derbyshire at Derby knowing a win will almost certainly clinch a place in the top flight next season as English domestic cricket undergoes its biggest transformation in County Championship history.

A draw might be enough, but would leave Hampshire at the mercy of events elsewhere.

It's not only Hampshire's place in the top table which is at stake, but where they play their cricket next season could have implications in shaping the county's future, a fact not lost on Smith.

"It's vital to be in Division 1 when it kicks off," says Smith.

"We're hoping to make some big signings in the winter and it will be a huge disappointment to be in the Division 2.

"It won't stop those people we're hoping to sign from joining us if we start in the Division 2. If they come, they will come to play for the county regardless of what division we're in."

Hampshire are due to start the 2001 season in their new £17million HQ and Smith says no matter what happens next season, they must be in the top flight for the big move.

"Regardless of what happens in the match against Derbyshire, our utmost priority is to make sure we're in the top flight of the championship and National League when we move to our new ground in 2001.

"Whatever division we are in next season, that's going to be a tough job.

"If we're in Division 1, we have to finish in the top six to make sure we're not relegated, if we're in Division 2 next season, we have to win promotion at the first time of asking.

"There are some big clubs in Division 2 of both competitions next season, and when you look at some of the players who will be playing in Division 2 next season it's frightening. Glenn McGrath at Worcestershire, Shoaib Akhtar at Nottinghamshire, Justin Langer at Middlesex. It might be a second division in name, but it won't be in quality."

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.

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