Remembering England Batting Great, Who Has Died Aged 62.
During the period preceding the explosive Twenty20 era, no one struck the leather with greater ferocity as Robin Smith. Shaped like a boxer yet endowed with the quick feet from his mother, a dancer, he unleashed strokes – especially his trademark square cut – with such devastating power that they left dents in advertising boards while crushing the morale of opponents.
The cricketer's death comes after a lengthy battle with poor health, existed of profound contradictions. On the surface, he was the epitome of fearless, attacking batsmanship, famed for epic duels with the world's fastest bowlers. But behind this facade of bravado existed a man constantly questioning his own worth, a battle he kept hidden while on the field but which later contributed to problems of addiction and mental health issues.
Sheer Bravery Coupled with a Craving for Danger
His fearlessness against pace was unquestionably genuine. But the driving force, was a curious mix of pure grit and a confessed need for the rush. He seemed wired differently, seeking out the punishing challenge of standing up to thunderbolts, which calls for blistering reactions and a high tolerance for pain.
The ultimate demonstration came in his famous innings of 148 not out for England against the West Indies at Lord's in 1991. On a difficult pitch, against the rampant Curtly Ambrose and Malcolm Marshall, Smith stood firm he positively flourished, his eyes reportedly sparkling the physical duel of intimidation and strokeplay. In retrospect, he said that it left him feeling “electrified”.
A Stellar England Tenure
Playing largely in the middle order, Smith represented England across 62 Tests plus 71 limited-overs games during an eight-year international span. He amassed 4,236 Test runs averaging 43.67, including nine hundreds. In ODI cricket, he made 2,419 ODI runs at an average nearing forty.
One of his most destructive displays came in 1993 at Edgbaston versus the old enemy, hammering 167 ruthless runs. The display was so impressive that he was reportedly personally congratulated PM John Major. Sadly, a recurring theme, his team could not secure victory that contest.
The 'Judge' and a Complex Legacy
Dubbed ‘Judge’ because of a youthful haircut that looked like a judge's wig, his batting average in Tests remains highly respectable, especially considering his career spanned for a frequently defeated England team. Many believe selectors moved on from him too hastily by selectors after a difficult tour in South Africa during the mid-90s.
He admitted in his autobiography, he felt like a dual personality: ‘Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who loved a fight, and Robin Smith, a gentle, feeling individual. These two sides were in constant tension.
An unshakeable sense of loyalty occasionally led to trouble. One well-known episode involved him standing up for teammate Malcolm Marshall against racial taunts in Leicester. When verbal requests were ignored, Smith knocked out the ringleader, a response that broke his own hand and cost him six weeks of cricket.
Struggles in Retirement
Adapting to a world outside the dressing room proved exceptionally difficult. The buzz of the game gave way to the routine demands of running companies. Businesses involving and a wine bar ultimately faltered. Alongside problems in his marriage and mounting debts, he descended into alcohol dependency and deep depression.
Relocating to Perth accompanied by his brother Chris provided a new beginning but did not solve his personal demons. At his lowest point, he contemplated suicide, only being pulled back from that decision through the care of family and a neighbour.
He leaves behind Karin, his partner, his two children, and his brother, Chris.
