 Thomas Assheton Smith was a keen sportsman and was particularly noted for his involvement in cricket.He was a close friend of George Finch, 9th Earl of Winchilsea and became one of cricket's main patrons following the establishment of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in 1787.Smith was not a good player, unlike his son, but is known to have taken part in 45 major matches between the 1787 and 1796 seasons.