Tributes Paid to England Batting Great, Who Has Died Aged 62.
Long before the dawn of the high-octane T20 era, no one struck the leather with greater ferocity as Robin Smith. Built with a prizefighter's frame but possessing the agile movement inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, he unleashed strokes – especially his trademark square cut – with such immense force they could dent in perimeter fencing and deflated the morale of opponents.
Smith, who has died after a lengthy battle with poor health, was a man riddled with paradox. To the public eye, he appeared the embodiment of courageous, aggressive batting, celebrated for epic duels with the world's fastest bowlers. However, beneath this facade of bravado was a man constantly questioning his own worth, a conflict he concealed while on the field that subsequently led to struggles against addiction and mental health issues.
Unflinching Guts Coupled with a Craving for the Rush
His courage facing quick bowlers was unquestionably genuine. The motivation, however, was a curious mix of innate toughness and a confessed addiction to adrenaline. Many felt he was built differently, actively craving the punishing challenge of facing extreme pace, which calls for lightning reflexes and an ability to absorb blows.
This was perfectly illustrated during his legendary undefeated knock of 148 playing for England facing the Caribbean pace attack at Lord's Cricket Ground in 1991. On a tricky surface, as a pair of legendary pacemen, Smith stood firm he positively flourished, relishing the brutal exchange of intimidation and strokeplay. He later described the experience as leaving him “buzzing”.
An Impressive International Career
Batting primarily at number five or six, He earned caps for England across 62 Tests and 71 One-Day Internationals from the late 80s to the mid-90s. He scored over four thousand Test runs at an average of 43.67, including nine three-figure scores. In the one-day arena, he gathered almost two and a half thousand runs averaging close to 40.
A particularly brutal innings occurred in 1993 at Edgbaston facing the Aussies, where he smashed 167 ruthless runs. The display was so impressive that even the then direct praise from PM John Major. Sadly, a recurring theme, his team still failed to win that contest.
The 'Judge' and a Complex Legacy
Known widely as ‘Judge’ after a wig-like haircut reminiscent of a court wig, his mean in Test cricket was notably impressive, not least because he played in a losing era. Many believe selectors moved on from him somewhat unfairly following a contentious trip to South Africa in the winter of 95/96.
In his own words, he felt like a dual personality: ‘The Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who thrived on battle, and plain Robin, a vulnerable person. Each persona suppressed the other.
His fierce loyalty could also be his downfall. Most famously saw him defend West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall against racial taunts at a team hotel. After words failed, he floored the ringleader, an act resulting in a broken hand causing six weeks of cricket.
Struggles in Retirement
The transition to life outside the dressing room was immensely challenging. The buzz of the game was substituted for the ordinary pressures of running companies. Ventures into a travel company eventually failed. Compounded by problems in his marriage and mounting debts, he spiralled into addiction and severe depression.
A move to Australia with his family was meant to be a reset but did not solve his underlying issues. During his darkest hour, he considered ending his life, before being talked back from the brink by the support of his child and a friend.
He leaves behind his partner, Karin, Harrison and Margaux, and brother Chris.
