Leicestershire head coach Phil Whitticase hopes that Ben Smith will bring back to Grace Road some of the qualities that made him such an outstanding batsman over his 20-year career.

Smith has this week been appointed as Leicestershire's batting coach.

Although the second half of his career was spent at Worcestershire, County fans need no reminding that Smith was a prolific run-scorer in 11 seasons with the Foxes.

He topped 1,000 runs on three occasions and was a key middle-order batter in their Championship triumphs of 1996 and 1998.

"Ben is very enthusiastic, very knowledgeable and technically very good," said Whitticase, who anticipates teaming up again with Smith in mid-January.

"He also brings an added dimension with his fielding coaching and that is something that we hope will be a real spin-off for the players."

Smith's major task, though, will be to galvanise Leicestershire's batting, most notably in the County Championship arena.

"When Ben played, the key thing was that, when he got in, he scored big runs," said Whitticase.

"He was a busy cricketer, always looking for singles and very strong square of the wicket.

"He was unbelievably fit, too, and the type of energy he has will be invaluable to us."

The County coach does not expect Smith to require a great deal of time to settle in, either, and he will be well aware of the task at hand.

"Ben knows the club, he has got a history with Leicestershire," said Whitticase

"He knows what the club is all about and what we expect and want from the players."

Whitticase added: "If he can instill those values and his work ethic into the players, it all adds up to a very good appointment."