Tributes Paid to England Batting Great, Who Has Died Aged 62.
In the age before the explosive Twenty20 era, few could match the leather with such sheer force than Robin Smith. Shaped with the physique of a fighter but possessing the quick feet from his mother, a dancer, he produced shots – notably his ferocious square cut – with such immense force they dented in perimeter fencing and deflated the hopes of the opposition.
Smith, who has died after a lengthy battle with poor health, presented as a figure filled with stark contrasts. To the public eye, he was the very image of courageous, aggressive batting, renowned for memorable contests with fearsome quicks. Yet, behind this mask of confidence lay a man constantly questioning his own worth, a battle he masked throughout his career only to later led to struggles against alcoholism and depression.
Unflinching Guts and a Thirst for the Rush
His fearlessness against pace could never be doubted. The motivation, however, involved a combination of pure grit and a self-confessed thrill-seeking nature. Teammates wondered if he wired differently, seeking out the masochistic test of standing up to thunderbolts, which calls for instant responses and a willingness to suffer physical punishment.
The ultimate demonstration came during an iconic innings of 148 not out representing his country against the West Indies at the Home of Cricket in 1991. In challenging conditions, against the rampant a pair of legendary pacemen, he did not merely endure but thrived, apparently delighting in the fierce contest of short balls and fours. In retrospect, he said the experience as leaving him “buzzing”.
A Notable Test Career
Batting primarily at number five or six, He earned caps for England in 62 Test matches plus 71 limited-overs games during an eight-year international span. He amassed 4,236 Test runs at an average of 43-plus, featuring nine three-figure scores. In the 50-over format, he compiled almost two and a half thousand runs averaging nearing forty.
One of his most destructive displays came in 1993 at Edgbaston against Australia, blasting a brutal 167 runs. The innings was so powerful that he was reportedly commendations from PM John Major. Yet, in a cruel twist, the side still failed to win the match.
The Moniker and Lasting Contradictions
Dubbed ‘the Judge’ due to an early hairstyle that looked like a judge's wig, his mean in Test cricket was notably impressive, not least because he featured in a losing era. A common view is selectors moved on from him somewhat unfairly post a fractious series of South Africa in the winter of 95/96.
As he later confessed, he was two people: ‘Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who loved a fight, and plain Robin, a sensitive, emotional man. Each persona were in constant tension.
His staunch allegiance could also be his downfall. Most famously saw him defend fellow Hampshire player Malcolm Marshall from racist abuse in Leicester. When verbal requests were ignored, Smith knocked out the primary abuser, a move that broke his own hand causing six weeks of cricket.
The Difficult Transition
Moving on from the game after professional sport became a huge struggle. The adrenaline rush gave way to the mundane realities of commerce. Ventures into bat manufacturing eventually failed. Coupled with problems in his marriage and financial woes, he spiralled into addiction and deep depression.
A move to Australia alongside his children provided a new beginning but failed to fix his personal demons. During his darkest hour, he considered ending his life, and was only saved from the edge through the care of family and a neighbour.
He leaves behind his companion, Karin, Harrison and Margaux, and elder brother Chris.
