Tributes Paid to The 'Judge', Who Has Died Aged 62.
During the period preceding the frenetic T20 revolution, few could match the cricket ball with more raw power as Robin Smith. Shaped with a prizefighter's frame yet endowed with the nimble footwork inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, he unleashed strokes – the square cut in particular – with such devastating power they could dent in perimeter fencing and deflated bowlers' confidence.
Smith, who has died after a lengthy battle with poor health, presented as a figure riddled with paradox. Outwardly, he was the epitome of courageous, aggressive batting, famed for epic duels with fearsome quicks. Yet, behind this show of machismo was a person plagued by self-doubt, a conflict he concealed during his playing days but which later fuelled struggles against addiction and mental health issues.
Raw Courage Mixed with a Desire for Adrenaline
His bravery versus fast bowling was unquestionably genuine. The source of this courage, was a complex blend of pure grit and a confessed need for the rush. Teammates wondered if he was built differently, actively craving the punishing challenge of facing extreme pace, which calls for blistering reactions and an ability to absorb blows.
This trait was never better displayed during an iconic undefeated knock of 148 representing his country facing the Caribbean pace attack at Lord's in 1991. On a difficult pitch, as two of the greatest fast bowlers in history, Smith stood firm he positively flourished, his eyes reportedly sparkling the physical duel of intimidation and strokeplay. He later described the feeling was one of “electrified”.
A Notable Test Career
Featuring mostly at number five or six, Smith represented England over 62 Test matches and 71 ODIs between 1988 and 1996. He accumulated more than four thousand runs in Tests averaging 43.67, which contained nine hundreds. In ODI cricket, he made 2,419 ODI runs with an average nearing forty.
One of his most destructive displays came in 1993 in Birmingham against Australia, where he smashed 167 ruthless runs. The display was so impressive that he was reportedly commendations from the country's leader. Sadly, a recurring theme, his team ended up losing the game.
His Nickname and a Complex Legacy
Known widely as ‘the Judge’ due to an early hairstyle reminiscent of a court wig, his mean in Test cricket stands as commendable, particularly given his career spanned for a frequently defeated England team. It is widely felt selectors moved on from him somewhat unfairly post a fractious series of South Africa in the winter of 95/96.
In his own words, he was two distinct characters: ‘Judge’, the arrogant, combative cricketer who loved a fight, and Robin Smith, a gentle, feeling individual. Each persona were in constant tension.
His staunch allegiance sometimes caused him problems. One well-known episode he intervened to protect fellow Hampshire player Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs in a hotel bar. Following unsuccessful appeals, Smith knocked out the ringleader, an act resulting in a broken hand leading to six weeks of cricket.
Life After Cricket
The transition to life after professional sport was immensely challenging. The thrill of competition was replaced by the mundane realities of commerce. Ventures into and a wine bar ultimately faltered. Compounded by problems in his marriage and serious money troubles, he descended into addiction and severe depression.
Relocating to Perth with his family was meant to be a reset but did not solve his personal demons. In a moment of deep crisis, he thought about taking his own life, before being talked back from that decision through the care of family and a neighbour.
His family includes his partner, Karin, his two children, and brother Chris.
