Tributes Paid to The 'Judge', Aged 62.
During the period preceding the explosive Twenty20 format, few could match the cricket ball with more raw power than Robin Smith. Shaped like a boxer yet blessed with the quick feet from his mother, a dancer, he unleashed strokes – the square cut in particular – with such violence they dented in boundary hoardings while crushing bowlers' confidence.
Smith, who has died following a long period of ill health, existed riddled with paradox. Outwardly, he was the epitome of fearless, attacking batsmanship, celebrated for memorable contests against express pace. Yet, behind this mask of confidence lay a deeply insecure individual, a struggle he masked throughout his career but which later led to battles with alcoholism and depression.
Raw Courage Coupled with a Craving for Danger
His courage facing quick bowlers was unquestionably genuine. The motivation, however, was a complex blend of pure grit and a self-confessed addiction to adrenaline. Many felt he was built differently, seeking out the brutal examination of standing up to thunderbolts, which demanded lightning reflexes and an ability to absorb blows.
This was perfectly illustrated in his famous unbeaten 148 representing his country facing the Caribbean pace attack at the Home of Cricket in 1991. On a tricky surface, as a pair of legendary pacemen, Smith stood firm but thrived, relishing the fierce contest of intimidation and strokeplay. He later described that it left him feeling “tingling”.
A Stellar International Career
Batting primarily in the middle order, Smith played for England across 62 Tests and 71 One-Day Internationals between 1988 and 1996. He amassed 4,236 Test runs with a mean of 43-plus, featuring nine three-figure scores. In the 50-over format, he made 2,419 ODI runs at an average close to 40.
A particularly brutal innings occurred in 1993 against Australia versus the old enemy, hammering a devastating 167. The innings was so powerful he earned personally congratulated PM John Major. Yet, in a cruel twist, his team ended up losing the match.
The 'Judge' and Lasting Contradictions
Affectionately nicknamed ‘Judge’ due to an early hairstyle that looked like a judge's wig, Smith's Test average was notably impressive, not least because he played in a losing era. A common view is his international career was ended too hastily by selectors after a difficult tour to South Africa during the mid-90s.
In his own words, he was two people: ‘the Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who lived for conflict, and plain Robin, a vulnerable person. These two sides fought for dominance.
His staunch allegiance could also be his downfall. One well-known episode saw him defend West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall from racist abuse in Leicester. After words failed, he punched the main aggressor, an act which fractured his hand leading to a significant layoff.
Struggles in Retirement
Moving on from the game post-cricket was immensely challenging. The buzz of the game was replaced by the mundane realities of running companies. Attempts at and a wine bar eventually failed. Coupled with a strained relationship and mounting debts, he fell victim to alcohol dependency and severe depression.
Emigrating to Western Australia with his family provided a new beginning but couldn't resolve his underlying issues. At his lowest point, he considered ending his life, before being talked back from that decision by the support of family and a neighbour.
His family includes his companion, Karin, his two children, and elder brother Chris.