Otago all-rounder Nathan Smith is on his way up. We all knew that. We just did not know on his way up meant on his way up to Wellington. Departure ...
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"It is not a reflection on Otago cricket because they’ve turned me into the cricketer I am today and have given me all these opportunities, so I’m extremely grateful for that," he said.
"But the main reasons I had for the move is I’ll get to work with the specialist bowling coach that they have. They have just signed Iain O’Brien and they’ve got Hamish Bennett there, who I’m looking forward to working with immensely.
"They’ve got about five other Black Caps there ... and they’ve just signed a specialist batting coach, so they have a lot of resources.
"I saw that as an extremely exciting opportunity."
The training facilities in Dunedin have improved, but the chance to train at the Basin Reserve and train on grass as early as September 1 was another major attraction for Smith.
"Just the fact I’ll get six more weeks on grass leading into the season, and it is just a great opportunity for me to focus on my own game in a real strong winning culture."
Smith was injured late in the summer and said he started thinking about a move then. But he admitted the departure of head coach Rob Walter was "a bit of a catalyst".
Walter is transferring to Central Districts.
"I just felt the timing was right with what is happening with our staff moving on and just the uncertainty of who we could get in.
"I felt a move into the [Wellington] environment with all their resources was the best chance for me to really push my career.
"[Walter] was amazing for my career ... and he has given me the tools I have now to take a step and get a bit out of my comfort zone."
Smith said Otago would "always be home" and he has not given up on representing his beloved North Otago in the Hawke Cup again at some stage.
