Cricket Mourns Robin Smith, Who Has Died Aged 62.

In the age before the frenetic T20 revolution, arguably nobody hit the leather with greater ferocity than Robin Smith. Built like a boxer but possessing the agile movement inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, his shots were unleashed – especially his trademark square cut – with such violence they dented in boundary hoardings and shattered bowlers' confidence.

Smith, who has died after a prolonged illness, was a man filled with stark contrasts. To the public eye, he appeared the embodiment of a brave, front-foot player, famed for thrilling battles against express pace. However, beneath this mask of confidence lay a man constantly questioning his own worth, a struggle he concealed during his playing days but which later fuelled struggles against depression and addiction.

Sheer Bravery Mixed with a Desire for the Rush

His courage facing quick bowlers was unquestionably genuine. The source of this courage, was a curious mix of pure grit and an admitted need for the rush. He seemed wired differently, seeking out the brutal examination of facing extreme pace, which calls for blistering reactions and a high tolerance for pain.

The ultimate demonstration came during his legendary unbeaten 148 representing his country against the West Indies at the Home of Cricket in 1991. On a difficult pitch, against the rampant two of the greatest fast bowlers in history, Smith not only survived he positively flourished, his eyes reportedly sparkling the fierce contest of short balls and fours. In retrospect, he said that it left him feeling “buzzing”.

A Stellar International Career

Playing largely at number five or six, He earned caps for England across 62 Tests and 71 ODIs during an eight-year international span. He amassed over four thousand Test runs at an average of 43.67, which contained nine hundreds. In the one-day arena, he gathered 2,419 runs at an average close to 40.

One of his most destructive displays came in 1993 at Edgbaston versus the old enemy, hammering a brutal 167 runs. The display was so impressive that even the then direct praise from PM John Major. However, in a frustrating pattern, the side ended up losing that contest.

His Nickname and a Troubled Soul

Dubbed ‘The Judge’ after a wig-like haircut that looked like a judge's wig, Smith's Test average stands as commendable, especially considering he played in a losing era. A common view is he was discarded too hastily by selectors after a difficult tour to South Africa during the mid-90s.

As he later confessed, he was a dual personality: ‘The Judge’, the tough, confrontational competitor who loved a fight, and the man himself, a sensitive, emotional man. These two sides were in constant tension.

His staunch allegiance occasionally led to trouble. One well-known episode he intervened to protect fellow Hampshire player Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs in Leicester. When verbal requests were ignored, he punched the ringleader, a move which fractured his hand causing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Life After Cricket

Adapting to a world after professional sport became a huge struggle. The thrill of competition was replaced by the mundane realities of commerce. Businesses involving a travel company did not succeed. Coupled with marital difficulties and financial woes, he spiralled into addiction and severe depression.

Emigrating to Western Australia accompanied by his brother Chris offered a fresh start but did not solve his personal demons. At his lowest point, he thought about taking his own life, before being talked back from the edge by the support of family and a neighbour.

His family includes Karin, his partner, his two children, and brother Chris.