Cricket Mourns Robin Smith, Aged 62.
Long before the dawn of the explosive T20 format, arguably nobody hit the leather with more raw power as Robin Smith. Built with a prizefighter's frame yet blessed with the quick feet from his mother, a dancer, his shots were unleashed – especially his trademark square cut – with such immense force they could dent in perimeter fencing and shattered the morale of opponents.
Smith has passed away after a lengthy battle with poor health, was a man riddled with paradox. On the surface, he appeared the embodiment of fearless, attacking batsmanship, renowned for thrilling battles against express pace. However, beneath this mask of confidence lay a person plagued by self-doubt, a conflict he concealed throughout his career only to later led to struggles against depression and addiction.
Sheer Bravery Coupled with a Craving for the Rush
His fearlessness against pace was utterly authentic. The motivation, however, was a curious mix of innate toughness and an admitted thrill-seeking nature. Teammates wondered if he was neurologically unique, seeking out the masochistic test of standing up to thunderbolts, which demanded blistering reactions and a high tolerance for pain.
This trait was never better displayed during an iconic unbeaten 148 for England facing the Caribbean pace attack at the Home of Cricket in 1991. On a difficult pitch, facing the furious onslaught of two of the greatest fast bowlers in history, he did not merely endure but thrived, his eyes reportedly sparkling the physical duel of bouncers and boundaries. He later described that it left him feeling “tingling”.
A Notable England Tenure
Featuring mostly in the middle order, He earned caps for England across 62 Tests and 71 One-Day Internationals between 1988 and 1996. He accumulated over four thousand Test runs averaging 43-plus, featuring nine centuries. In the one-day arena, he compiled almost two and a half thousand runs at an average just under 40.
One of his most destructive displays occurred in 1993 in Birmingham facing the Aussies, blasting 167 ruthless runs. The innings was so powerful he earned personally congratulated the Prime Minister, John Major. However, in a frustrating pattern, his team ended up losing the game.
The 'Judge' and a Troubled Soul
Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Judge’ after a wig-like haircut reminiscent of a court wig, his mean in Test cricket remains highly respectable, particularly given he featured in a losing era. Many believe selectors moved on from him somewhat unfairly post a fractious series of South Africa in 1995-96.
He admitted in his autobiography, he existed as two people: ‘Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who thrived on battle, and plain Robin, a vulnerable person. The two identities fought for dominance.
His staunch allegiance sometimes caused him problems. One well-known episode saw him defend West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs at a team hotel. When verbal requests were ignored, Smith knocked out the primary abuser, a response which fractured his hand and cost him six weeks of cricket.
Life After Cricket
Adapting to a world after professional sport was immensely challenging. The buzz of the game was replaced by the routine demands of business. Ventures into bat manufacturing eventually failed. Compounded by problems in his marriage and serious money troubles, he spiralled into addiction and profound despair.
Relocating to Perth with his family was meant to be a reset but failed to fix his underlying issues. At his lowest point, he contemplated suicide, before being talked back from the brink through the care of his child and a friend.
Robin Smith is survived by his partner, Karin, his two children, and his brother, Chris.
