Tributes Paid to England Batting Great, Aged 62.
In the age before the frenetic T20 format, few could match a cricket ball with more raw power than Robin Smith. Shaped with a prizefighter's frame but possessing the agile movement inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, his shots were unleashed – notably his ferocious square cut – with such devastating power they dented in perimeter fencing and deflated the morale of opponents.
Smith has passed away after a lengthy battle with poor health, was a man of profound contradictions. Outwardly, he was the very image of a brave, front-foot player, renowned for thrilling battles against express pace. Yet, behind this facade of bravado lay a deeply insecure individual, a struggle he kept hidden during his playing days that subsequently fuelled problems of alcoholism and depression.
Sheer Bravery Mixed with a Desire for Adrenaline
His bravery versus fast bowling was unquestionably genuine. The source of this courage, involved a combination of innate toughness and a self-confessed thrill-seeking nature. Teammates wondered if he was built differently, actively craving the punishing challenge of standing up to thunderbolts, which demanded lightning reflexes and a high tolerance for pain.
The ultimate demonstration came during an iconic innings of 148 not out for England against the West Indies at the Home of Cricket in 1991. In challenging conditions, against the rampant a pair of legendary pacemen, Smith stood firm but counter-attacked with gusto, relishing the fierce contest of short balls and fours. He later described the experience as leaving him “buzzing”.
A Notable Test Career
Playing largely in the middle order, Smith played for England across 62 Tests and 71 ODIs between 1988 and 1996. He scored over four thousand Test runs averaging 43.67, including nine centuries. In the 50-over format, he compiled 2,419 ODI runs at an average nearing forty.
Perhaps his most ferocious knock came in 1993 at Edgbaston facing the Aussies, where he smashed 167 ruthless runs. The display was so impressive he earned personally congratulated PM John Major. However, in a frustrating pattern, the side could not secure victory the game.
His Nickname and a Troubled Soul
Known widely as ‘the Judge’ because of a youthful haircut that looked like a judge's wig, Smith's Test average stands as commendable, especially considering he played for a frequently defeated England team. Many believe he was discarded too hastily by selectors following a contentious trip to South Africa during the mid-90s.
In his own words, he existed as a dual personality: ‘Judge’, the arrogant, combative cricketer who loved a fight, and plain Robin, a vulnerable person. These two sides were in constant tension.
His fierce loyalty could also be his downfall. In a notable incident saw him defend West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall from racist abuse in Leicester. When verbal requests were ignored, he punched the ringleader, an act resulting in a broken hand causing a significant layoff.
Struggles in Retirement
The transition to life outside the dressing room proved exceptionally difficult. The thrill of competition was replaced by the ordinary pressures of business. Attempts at and a wine bar ultimately faltered. Alongside marital difficulties and serious money troubles, he descended into addiction and deep depression.
Relocating to Perth with his family offered a fresh start but failed to fix his core problems. At his lowest point, he thought about taking his own life, and was only saved from that decision by the support of his son and a compassionate neighbour.
His family includes his companion, Karin, Harrison and Margaux, and elder brother Chris.
