Dwayne Smith is the perfect prototype of vintage Calypso style batting - high backlift, strong pickup shots over mid-wicket and square leg, powerful drives through the off-side and that nonchalant swagger. To go with all that, he also possesses the uncanny knack of breaking partnerships with his seam up bowling.
Smith was rumoured to have been recognised as a sizable talent by none other than Vivian Richards himself. He made his debut for West Indies during the 2002-03 tour of South Africa and justified his selection by making a century on debut in the second innings, only the 11th West Indian to do so on debut. The most striking aspect about that knock was that it was just his second First-Class hundred and it came off a mere 93 balls, when his team was battling to save the Test. However, the brilliance was short-lived and that is the last time he has crossed fifty in Tests till date. Smith played nine more Tests for West Indies, shining neither with the bat nor ball. On the same tour, he made his ODI debut as well and did not have any performances to speak of in that format.
