His international cricketing career began when he played in the Under-19 World Cup competition of 2002 for South Africa, debuting with a steady bowling performance against Bangladesh in a convincing victory for his side.
Smith made his first appearance in first-class cricket in October 2003, playing for Griqualand West in the 2003–04 SuperSport series, in which the team finished in second place in the league.
Smith made his debut in the County Championship in the 2006 season, scoring steadily with the bat from the middle order and even trying his hand at bowling during the second innings.
As Derbyshire finished mid-table during 2006, Smith stepped in for more appearances for the side, and looked promising for the team's future.
In 2008, Smith scored the 20th century in the history of the Twenty20 Cup with a 62-ball innings against Yorkshire Carnegie on 12 June 2008.