Cricket Mourns England Batting Great, Who Has Died Aged 62.
Long before the dawn of the high-octane T20 format, arguably nobody hit a cricket ball with more raw power as Robin Smith. Built like a boxer yet blessed with the quick feet from his mother, a dancer, he produced shots – especially his trademark square cut – with such immense force they dented in boundary hoardings and deflated the hopes of the opposition.
Smith, who has died following a long period of ill health, existed filled with stark contrasts. To the public eye, he was the very image of a brave, front-foot player, renowned for thrilling battles against express pace. But behind this mask of confidence existed a deeply insecure individual, a struggle he masked throughout his career that subsequently led to problems of alcoholism and depression.
Unflinching Guts Mixed with a Desire for Adrenaline
His fearlessness against pace was utterly authentic. But the driving force, was a complex blend of innate toughness and a self-confessed need for the rush. He seemed wired differently, positively relishing the masochistic test of facing extreme pace, which demanded lightning reflexes and a high tolerance for pain.
This trait was never better displayed in his famous unbeaten 148 for England facing the Caribbean pace attack at Lord's Cricket Ground in 1991. In challenging conditions, against the rampant a pair of legendary pacemen, he did not merely endure but counter-attacked with gusto, relishing the fierce contest of intimidation and strokeplay. He admitted afterwards the feeling was one of “tingling”.
A Notable Test Career
Playing largely as a middle-order batsman, Smith represented England over 62 Test matches 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 compiled almost two and a half thousand runs with an average close to 40.
A particularly brutal innings occurred in 1993 in Birmingham versus the old enemy, blasting 167 ruthless runs. The innings was so powerful that he was reportedly commendations from the Prime Minister, John Major. Sadly, a recurring theme, his team still failed to win the match.
The 'Judge' and a Complex Legacy
Known widely as ‘the Judge’ because of a youthful haircut resembling a judicial wig, his batting average in Tests stands as commendable, particularly given his career spanned for a frequently defeated England team. A common view is selectors moved on from him somewhat unfairly following a contentious trip in South Africa in the winter of 95/96.
He admitted in his autobiography, he felt like a dual personality: ‘The Judge’, the arrogant, combative cricketer who lived for conflict, and the man himself, a vulnerable person. Each persona suppressed the other.
His staunch allegiance could also be his downfall. Most famously saw him defend fellow Hampshire player Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs in Leicester. When verbal requests were ignored, he punched the main aggressor, an act resulting in a broken hand causing six weeks of cricket.
The Difficult Transition
Moving on from the game post-cricket became a huge struggle. The thrill of competition was replaced by the ordinary pressures of commerce. Businesses involving a travel company did not succeed. Coupled with a strained relationship and serious money troubles, he fell victim to alcohol dependency and severe depression.
A move to Australia with his family provided a new beginning but failed to fix his core problems. In a moment of deep crisis, he considered ending his life, before being talked back from that decision by the support of his son and a compassionate neighbour.
Robin Smith is survived by Karin, his partner, his two children, and elder brother Chris.
