Cricket Mourns England Batting Great, Aged 62.

Long before the dawn of the frenetic T20 format, few could match the cricket ball with such sheer force than Robin Smith. Constructed with the physique of a fighter but possessing the quick feet of his ballet dancer mother, he produced shots – especially his trademark square cut – with such immense force that they left dents in boundary hoardings and deflated the morale of opponents.

Smith, who has died after a prolonged illness, presented as a figure filled with stark contrasts. Outwardly, he was the epitome of a brave, front-foot player, renowned for thrilling battles against express pace. However, beneath this show of machismo existed a deeply insecure individual, a battle he masked throughout his career but which later led to problems of depression and addiction.

Sheer Bravery and a Thirst for the Rush

His courage facing quick bowlers was unquestionably genuine. But the driving force, was a curious mix of pure grit and a self-confessed thrill-seeking nature. Teammates wondered if he wired differently, positively relishing the punishing challenge of confronting express bowling, which demanded lightning reflexes and a willingness to suffer physical punishment.

The ultimate demonstration came during an iconic innings of 148 not out playing for England versus the mighty West Indies at the Home of Cricket in 1991. On a difficult pitch, facing the furious onslaught of a pair of legendary pacemen, Smith not only survived he positively flourished, his eyes reportedly sparkling the physical duel of short balls and fours. In retrospect, he said the experience as leaving him “electrified”.

A Notable Test Career

Playing largely at number five or six, Smith represented England across 62 Tests and 71 One-Day Internationals from the late 80s to the mid-90s. He amassed over four thousand Test runs with a mean of 43.67, which contained nine centuries. In the one-day arena, he gathered almost two and a half thousand runs with an average close to 40.

A particularly brutal innings occurred in 1993 in Birmingham versus the old enemy, where he smashed a devastating 167. The display was so impressive that he was reportedly direct praise from the Prime Minister, John Major. Yet, in a cruel twist, England ended up losing the match.

The 'Judge' and a Complex Legacy

Affectionately nicknamed ‘the Judge’ because of a youthful haircut resembling a judicial wig, his batting average in Tests was notably impressive, not least because his career spanned in a losing era. Many believe his international career was ended somewhat unfairly after a difficult tour to South Africa in 1995-96.

As he later confessed, he felt like a dual personality: ‘The Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who thrived on battle, and the man himself, a vulnerable person. These two sides fought for dominance.

An unshakeable sense of loyalty sometimes caused him problems. In a notable incident saw him defend fellow Hampshire player Malcolm Marshall against racial taunts in a hotel bar. When verbal requests were ignored, he floored the main aggressor, a move which fractured his hand and cost him six weeks of cricket.

Struggles in Retirement

Moving on from the game outside the dressing room became a huge struggle. The adrenaline rush was substituted for the routine demands of running companies. Ventures into and a wine bar did not succeed. Compounded by a strained relationship and mounting debts, he descended into heavy drinking and severe depression.

Relocating to Perth with his family offered a fresh start but did not solve his core problems. During his darkest hour, he contemplated suicide, only being pulled back from the brink through the care of his child and a friend.

His family includes his companion, Karin, Harrison and Margaux, and elder brother Chris.