Ben expecting a tough time on wicket | Manawatu-Wanganui Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Manawatu-Wanganui

Ben Smith is back in action for Wanganui in the Hawke Cup match against Horowhenua-Kapiti at Paraparaumu today - and he's expecting a hard time at the crease.

That may seem surprising because the match is a step down in level for the Central Districts right-hand bat, but the 21-year-old knows he will have his work cut out.

"I think you actually have to concentrate a lot harder playing for Wanganui - you have to work harder for your runs.

"One thing is the pitches can be tougher - they're often two-paced, whereas with Central Districts you are on a good wicket every week.

"But also there's the expectation that you'll get runs. When I bat for CD, there's no pressure and I can just play my game."

Smith has been happily playing his own game since he was called into the CD team at the end of last season to face Wellington Firebirds at the Basin Reserve.

It was a dream debut in first-class cricket as Smith made half-centuries in both innings and shared a record partnership of 210 with Peter Ingram.

He has shown his value this season - with a top score for CD of 70 - in Plunket Shield and Ford Trophy matches, though Black Caps skipper Ross Taylor has nudged him out of the lineup for the HRV Cup 20-over games.

Smith admits his style is not ideal for the bash-and-crash of the 20-over game but knows time is on his side.

"My batting is suited to the longer forms of the game - I prefer to build an innings than be hitting it from the get-go.

"But I believe there's a place for my sort of player in 20-over games, someone who can keep the scoreboard ticking and rotate the strike.

"In any case, my game is still progressing and, with time, it will adapt and develop. Plus, I will get bigger so, hopefully, I will be putting the ball over the ropes."

The long-term goal is, quite rightly, test cricket with the Black Caps; the short-term one is a permanent contract with the Central Districts Stags.

Smith is on a casual contract, which means he gets a match fee when he plays.

He reckons it's good enough to live on while he pursues his studies in Wellington - a science degree at Victoria University. "The degree might take a while because of cricket but it will be good to have it behind me for when my career in the game is over."

For now, cricket is his number one study - "I'm learning my craft and there's a long way to go."

He acknowledges there are some good lessons to be picked up in the CD dressing-room where he sits alongside the likes of Taylor, the hugely-experienced Mathew Sinclair and Jacob Oram, and new New Zealand bowling hope Doug Bracewell, the man who skittled the Aussies.

"As a young player, I just shut up and listen. They are great guys and have played at the highest levels, and they are always prepared to give you tips and advice."

Bracewell, in fact, is only a few months older than Smith and the two have played together and against each other coming up through the ranks of CD under-15, under-17 and under-19 sides.

Interestingly, the thoughtful Smith captained those sides and it's an aspect of the game that appeals.

"I enjoy the challenge of being skipper as well as having to make runs - you're assessing the conditions, judging where the game's going and managing players."

Born in Hamilton, Smith moved to Wanganui as a four-year-old when his father Peter was made a house master at Collegiate.

It was at the school that his cricket developed - and where he recorded his highest score, 150 not out against Kings College.