Greg Smith: Nottinghamshire sign Leicestershire opener

Leicestershire academy product Smith says he needs to start a fresh chapter in his career

Nottinghamshire have signed Leicestershire opener Greg Smith on a two-year contract.

Smith, 25, scored 1,448 runs in all competitions in 2014 as Leicestershire came bottom of the County Championship.

He is the latest of several players to leave Grace Road since then, following Josh Cobb,Nathan Buck and Shiv Thakor.

"Nottinghamshire is a great club with a proud history," said Smith, who hit 102 from 54 balls against Notts in a T20 Blast game in June.

"I want to play a part in their continued success in the years ahead.

"Leicestershire have been great to me and I will always be grateful to the fans, the players and the coaches for the start they have given me in the game.

"However, it feels like the right time to start a fresh chapter in my career and I'm very excited to be moving to Trent Bridge."

Smith has scored 4,303 first-class runs in 85 matches at an average of 28.68.

Notts director of cricket Mick Newell said: "Greg has done well for Leicestershire but we feel he has significant potential which we want to tap into.

"He can make a contribution in all formats and he will add depth and competition for a key place in our team."

Leicestershire director of cricket Phil Whitticase said: "We are sad to see Greg leave because we have seen him develop from the age groups and academy to be a first-team regular but we wish him all the very best for the future."