Dermot Reeve holds aloft the Benson & Hedges Cup in 1994

"We have some very good young players coming through such as Jamie Troughton and Ian Bell. They aredeveloping and have bright futures in the game.

"On top of that we have some good senior players who have experience such as Nick Knight and Dominic Ostler which makes a very good mix of youth and experience.

Major contribution

"Shaun Pollock has also brought an added dimension. He has done a magnificent job and is a world-class performer. We have not had a major contribution from an overseas player since the glory days of Brian Lara and Allan Donald, but Shaun has changed that.

"When he played for us a few years he was a bit raw and thought he could run in and bowl quickly every day. He now knows you can't do that in England and has adapted his game.

"In the dressing room he has brought all his experience to bear from playing in big matches for South Africa. It's a great opportunity for the young lads to learn from one of the game's biggest stars."

Smith made his name 13 years ago at Lord's when he thumped Hughes into the Tavern Stand to bring home Warwickshire's first trophy for nine years.

Neil Smith bowling at Lord's against Gloucestershire in 2000

It was a deed that gave direction to a career that looked to be failing to live up to the family name with father Mike a former Warwickshire and England captain.

"People still stop me and ask about hitting the last ball for six," he said. "It was very early on in my career and it was a defining moment for me.

"I might have got the sack at the end of that season but it kept me in the game for quite a while and gave me a chance to make a career."

Victory over Essex on Saturday would be only the second time Warwickshire have had their name etched on the B&H Cup, but Smith will be sorry to see the competition go.

It is due to be replaced by a 20-over competition next season but Smith believes the tournament offers a counties a great chance to get their season off to a winning start.

"In some ways it's one of the easier trophies to win because you can get through your group by playing just a couple of matches due to the weather. Then you are only two games away from Lord's.

Smith believes Ian Bell could be a Warwickshire star for years to come

"Winning the Benson & Hedges enables a team to build up early momentum and as long as they don't rest on theirlaurels, they have a great chance of having a good season.

"The 20-over competition will be interesting but I don't know if my body will stand up to it. It will be a young man's game."

At the age of 35, Smith knows there will not be too many more Lord's finals but is determined to ensure this is not his last.

"My contract is up at the end of the season but I want to play for a few more years yet," he said.

Another last ball six and Simth, and you never know, there may be a new contract in the post.