born at mexborough, yorkshire, smith was a slow left-arm orthodox bowler who made his debut in first-class cricket when he was selected to play for the liverpool and district cricket team against yorkshire at aigburth. his second appearance of 1894 came against cambridge university, also at aigburth. he scored a total of 38 runs in his two matches, with a highest score of 21. with the ball he took 7 wickets, which came at an average of 24.28, with best figures of 4/57. he later made two appearances for cheshire in the 1895 minor counties championship against staffordshire and worcestershire.