Warren Smith
Sport: Cricket
Year Inducted: 2023
Of Warren “Wazza” Smith OAM, cricketing great Geoff Lawson once said, “without any fear of contradiction, I say Warren Smith is the finest batting coach in Australia.”
Wazza always dreamed of playing for Australia. He played First Grade in Sydney, but his career was cut short following his return to Wagga following the death of his father. From the age of 20, he became captain coach of a local First Grade team, and his natural enthusiasm and curiosity led to him not only becoming an innovative coach, but he also invented many aids to help other cricketers hone their batting and fielding skills.
These inventions included a batting tee which helped anchor the ball so it didn’t go too far, of great benefit for those just starting out in the game. He invented the ‘Wazza Catcher’, a wrist attachment with a cricket ball attached to an elastic for catching and fielding practice. He was also passionate about recycling, hating seeing anything go to waste. Garry Hiscock (of Hiscock Saddlery) taught him how to repair and re-stitch balls. On each repair, he’d inscribe ‘Wazza’, and today, these balls can be found as far afield as India!
He’s the Wisden of Wagga Wagga cricket…
WWCC Council News, 2018
Thousands of children benefited from Wazza’s coaching clinic and the many coaching aids he invented or imported. His first bowling machine was imported from America, where it was used by baseballers to practice batting. He bought it for $200 from a fellow in Albury and modified the ball delivery chute with adjustable ‘fingers’ to enable different styles of delivery.
Wazza’s track record as a cricket coach is impeccable, and of extraordinary renown.
He has worked with and coached Cricketers from around the world including Test cricketers India’s VVS Laxman, Geoff Lawson, Mark Taylor, Michael Slater, Andrew McDonald, Dominic Thornley (former NSW Captain) and the late Philip Hughes.
Female cricketers Rachel Trenaman and Wagga-born powerhouses Alex and Kate Blackwell were also his protegees.
Despite coaching at the highest level, Wazza’s unwavering commitment to developing juniors, particularly in remote and regional communities is without peer. He was a genuine pioneer of cricket coaching in regional and outback NSW.
Community recognition of Wazza includes the Warren Smith Medal awarded to the region’s best cricket and the Warren Smith practice nets located at Wagga’s Bolton Park.