Cricket Mourns The 'Judge', Who Has Died Aged 62.
During the period preceding the frenetic T20 revolution, no one struck the leather with such sheer force than Robin Smith. Constructed with a prizefighter's frame yet endowed with the agile movement of his ballet dancer mother, he unleashed strokes – notably his ferocious square cut – with such violence they could dent in boundary hoardings and shattered the morale of opponents.
Smith, who has died following a long period of ill health, existed filled with stark contrasts. On the surface, he was the very image of a brave, front-foot player, celebrated for epic duels with the world's fastest bowlers. However, beneath this mask of confidence lay a man constantly questioning his own worth, a struggle he kept hidden during his playing days but which later contributed to battles with addiction and mental health issues.
Unflinching Guts Coupled with a Craving for Adrenaline
His bravery versus fast bowling was unquestionably genuine. The source of this courage, was a complex blend of pure grit and an admitted need for the rush. Teammates wondered if he was built differently, seeking out the punishing challenge of confronting express bowling, which calls for lightning reflexes and an ability to absorb blows.
This trait was never better displayed during his legendary innings of 148 not out playing for England facing the Caribbean pace attack at the Home of Cricket in 1991. On a tricky surface, against the rampant a pair of legendary pacemen, Smith stood firm he positively flourished, apparently delighting in the physical duel of bouncers and boundaries. He admitted afterwards the experience as leaving him “tingling”.
A Notable England Tenure
Featuring mostly at number five or six, Smith played for England over 62 Test matches and 71 One-Day Internationals between 1988 and 1996. He accumulated 4,236 Test runs at an average of 43.67, including nine centuries. In the one-day arena, he gathered almost two and a half thousand runs with an average nearing forty.
One of his most destructive displays came in 1993 against Australia versus the old enemy, where he smashed a brutal 167 runs. It was such a domineering performance that even the then commendations from the Prime Minister, John Major. Yet, in a cruel twist, the side ended up losing the match.
His Nickname and a Troubled Soul
Affectionately nicknamed ‘Judge’ due to an early hairstyle that looked like a judge's wig, Smith's Test average stands as commendable, not least because his career spanned during a period of English struggle. A common view is he was discarded prematurely by the panel post a fractious series to South Africa in 1995-96.
In his own words, he felt like two distinct characters: ‘Judge’, the tough, confrontational competitor who loved a fight, and plain Robin, a gentle, feeling individual. The two identities suppressed the other.
His staunch allegiance sometimes caused him problems. One well-known episode saw him defend teammate Malcolm Marshall from racist abuse in Leicester. When verbal requests were ignored, he punched the main aggressor, a response resulting in a broken hand leading to a significant layoff.
Struggles in Retirement
Adapting to a world outside the dressing room was immensely challenging. The thrill of competition was replaced by the routine demands of running companies. Ventures into a travel company eventually failed. Alongside marital difficulties and mounting debts, he fell victim to alcohol dependency and deep depression.
Emigrating to Western Australia accompanied by his brother Chris was meant to be a reset but failed to fix his core problems. During his darkest hour, he thought about taking his own life, before being talked back from the brink through the care of family and a neighbour.
He leaves behind Karin, his partner, his two children, and his brother, Chris.
