Nicknamed "Razor" because of his extreme thinness, Smith was a frail man and prone to serious injury; he could rarely get through a full season's cricket, but when fit and healthy, could command the sharpest off-break among bowlers of his day.

He proved unplayable on wet wickets early in the season, but did nothing when the weather turned dry[2] and was quickly dropped until the last two games.

His success was due in part to a new delivery, a fast kicking leg break in addition to his usual sharp off spinner.

1913 was basically a repeat of 1912 – "Razor" came into form only at the tail end of the season – and in 1914 Smith could rarely play due to injuries continuing to recur.

After World War I, it was clear "Razor"’s body would not allow him to play more cricket, and he spent the rest of his life working for the bat firm Surridge’s.