His cricketing career began with a season's service in the Derbyshire Second XI, debuting against Northamptonshire in 1964.
He was a regular first team player in the 1967 season, scoring centuries against Cambridge University and Essex.
Smith was an opening batsman throughout his time at Derbyshire, alongside John Harvey or Peter Gibbs.
He was never the first-choice wicket-keeper at Derbyshire during his spell, as the England cricketer, Bob Taylor was also at the club, though he took the role on occasion.
Smith was a left-handed batsman and played 114 first-class matches with an average of 26.56 and a top score of 136.