Cricket Mourns England Batting Great, Aged 62.
In the age before the explosive T20 era, no one struck the leather with such sheer force as Robin Smith. Built with the physique of a fighter yet endowed with the quick feet of his ballet dancer mother, he produced shots – the square cut in particular – with such violence that they left dents in perimeter fencing and deflated bowlers' confidence.
Smith has passed away after a prolonged illness, existed of profound contradictions. Outwardly, he appeared the embodiment of fearless, attacking batsmanship, celebrated for epic duels with fearsome quicks. Yet, behind this facade of bravado lay a person plagued by self-doubt, a battle he kept hidden throughout his career only to later led to struggles against addiction and mental health issues.
Raw Courage and a Thirst for Adrenaline
His bravery versus fast bowling was utterly authentic. The motivation, however, was a curious mix of innate toughness and an admitted addiction to adrenaline. Teammates wondered if he was neurologically unique, seeking out the brutal examination of standing up to thunderbolts, which calls for instant responses and a willingness to suffer physical punishment.
The ultimate demonstration came during his legendary unbeaten 148 for England against the West Indies at Lord's in 1991. In challenging conditions, against the rampant two of the greatest fast bowlers in history, Smith stood firm but thrived, relishing the physical duel of intimidation and strokeplay. In retrospect, he said the experience as leaving him “tingling”.
A Notable International Career
Playing largely at number five or six, He earned caps for England over 62 Test matches and 71 ODIs between 1988 and 1996. He scored more than four thousand runs in Tests averaging 43.67, including nine centuries. In ODI cricket, he made 2,419 runs at an average just under 40.
A particularly brutal innings was played in 1993 in Birmingham against Australia, blasting 167 ruthless runs. The innings was so powerful he earned direct praise from the Prime Minister, John Major. Sadly, a recurring theme, England could not secure victory the game.
The Moniker and a Troubled Soul
Known widely as ‘The Judge’ after a wig-like haircut resembling a judicial wig, his mean in Test cricket remains highly respectable, not least because his career spanned in a losing era. Many believe his international career was ended too hastily by selectors after a difficult tour in South Africa in 1995-96.
As he later confessed, he felt like two people: ‘The Judge’, the tough, confrontational competitor who loved a fight, and Robin Smith, a gentle, feeling individual. The two identities were in constant tension.
His fierce loyalty could also be his downfall. Most famously he intervened to protect fellow Hampshire player Malcolm Marshall from racist abuse in a hotel bar. Following unsuccessful appeals, Smith knocked out the main aggressor, a response which fractured his hand and cost him six weeks of cricket.
Struggles in Retirement
Moving on from the game outside the dressing room was immensely challenging. The thrill of competition was substituted for the mundane realities of commerce. Businesses involving and a wine bar eventually failed. Coupled with marital difficulties and serious money troubles, he fell victim to addiction and deep depression.
Emigrating to Western Australia with his family was meant to be a reset but couldn't resolve his personal demons. In a moment of deep crisis, he contemplated suicide, only being pulled back from that decision by the intervention of family and a neighbour.
He leaves behind his companion, Karin, his son and daughter, and his brother, Chris.
