Remembering The 'Judge', Who Has Died Aged 62.
During the period preceding the explosive T20 format, no one struck the cricket ball with such sheer force than Robin Smith. Built like a boxer yet endowed with the agile movement of his ballet dancer mother, he produced shots โ especially his trademark square cut โ with such violence that they left dents in boundary hoardings and shattered the morale of opponents.
Smith has passed away following a long period of ill health, was a man filled with stark contrasts. To the public eye, he was the epitome of fearless, attacking batsmanship, famed for memorable contests with the world's fastest bowlers. But behind this mask of confidence lay a person plagued by self-doubt, a conflict he masked throughout his career but which later contributed to problems of depression and addiction.
Raw Courage and a Thirst for Adrenaline
His courage facing quick bowlers was unquestionably genuine. The source of this courage, was a curious mix of pure grit and a self-confessed need for the rush. Teammates wondered if he was neurologically unique, positively relishing the brutal examination of confronting express bowling, which demanded instant responses and a high tolerance for pain.
The ultimate demonstration came in his famous innings of 148 not out for England facing the Caribbean pace attack at Lord's in 1991. On a difficult pitch, facing the furious onslaught of Curtly Ambrose and Malcolm Marshall, he did not merely endure but thrived, his eyes reportedly sparkling the physical duel of short balls and fours. He later described the experience as leaving him โelectrifiedโ.
A Stellar England Tenure
Playing largely in the middle order, He earned caps for England in 62 Test matches plus 71 limited-overs games during an eight-year international span. He scored 4,236 Test runs at an average of 43.67, including nine centuries. In the 50-over format, he made 2,419 ODI runs averaging close to 40.
Perhaps his most ferocious knock occurred in 1993 in Birmingham against Australia, hammering a brutal 167 runs. The display was so impressive that even the then personally congratulated the country's leader. Yet, in a cruel twist, the side still failed to win that contest.
The Moniker and Lasting Contradictions
Known widely as โJudgeโ due to an early hairstyle resembling a judicial wig, Smith's Test average stands as commendable, especially considering he played during a period of English struggle. A common view is selectors moved on from him somewhat unfairly following a contentious trip in South Africa during the mid-90s.
As he later confessed, he was two distinct characters: โThe Judgeโ, the tough, confrontational competitor who lived for conflict, and Robin Smith, a vulnerable person. The two identities fought for dominance.
An unshakeable sense of loyalty sometimes caused him problems. In a notable incident involved him standing up for fellow Hampshire player Malcolm Marshall from racist abuse in Leicester. After words failed, he punched the primary abuser, an act which fractured his hand causing a significant layoff.
Struggles in Retirement
Moving on from the game after professional sport proved exceptionally difficult. The thrill of competition was replaced by the routine demands of running companies. Ventures into bat manufacturing ultimately faltered. Coupled with marital difficulties and serious money troubles, he fell victim to alcohol dependency and deep depression.
Relocating to Perth alongside his children provided a new beginning but couldn't resolve his core problems. At his lowest point, he considered ending his life, only being pulled back from the edge through the care of his son and a compassionate neighbour.
Robin Smith is survived by Karin, his partner, Harrison and Margaux, and elder brother Chris.
