Tributes Paid to The 'Judge', Aged 62.
During the period preceding the high-octane T20 format, no one struck the cricket ball with greater ferocity as Robin Smith. Built with a prizefighter's frame yet endowed with the agile movement from his mother, a dancer, his shots were unleashed – notably his ferocious square cut – with such devastating power they dented in boundary hoardings and shattered bowlers' confidence.
Smith has passed away after a lengthy battle with poor health, presented as a figure filled with stark contrasts. Outwardly, he was the very image of fearless, attacking batsmanship, famed for memorable contests with fearsome quicks. However, beneath this mask of confidence was a person plagued by self-doubt, a struggle he concealed throughout his career but which later fuelled battles with addiction and mental health issues.
Sheer Bravery and a Thirst for Adrenaline
His courage facing quick bowlers was utterly authentic. But the driving force, involved a combination of pure grit and a confessed addiction to adrenaline. He seemed wired differently, positively relishing the masochistic test of facing extreme pace, a situation requiring blistering reactions and a willingness to suffer physical punishment.
This was perfectly illustrated during his legendary unbeaten 148 playing for England against the West Indies at Lord's Cricket Ground in 1991. On a tricky surface, as two of the greatest fast bowlers in history, he did not merely endure he positively flourished, apparently delighting in the brutal exchange of short balls and fours. He admitted afterwards that it left him feeling “buzzing”.
An Impressive Test Career
Featuring mostly as a middle-order batsman, Smith represented England in 62 Test matches and 71 ODIs during an eight-year international span. He amassed over four thousand Test runs averaging 43.67, including nine centuries. In the one-day arena, he compiled almost two and a half thousand runs with an average close to 40.
Perhaps his most ferocious knock came in 1993 at Edgbaston versus the old enemy, hammering 167 ruthless runs. The display was so impressive he earned direct praise from the country's leader. However, in a frustrating pattern, his team could not secure victory that contest.
The 'Judge' and a Complex Legacy
Dubbed ‘the Judge’ because of a youthful haircut resembling a judicial wig, his batting average in Tests was notably impressive, not least because his career spanned for a frequently defeated England team. A common view is his international career was ended prematurely by the panel after a difficult tour in South Africa in the winter of 95/96.
In his own words, he was two distinct characters: ‘the Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who loved a fight, and plain Robin, a gentle, feeling individual. Each persona were in constant tension.
An unshakeable sense of loyalty sometimes caused him problems. Most famously saw him defend West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs in Leicester. When verbal requests were ignored, Smith knocked out the ringleader, an act which fractured his hand causing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Struggles in Retirement
The transition to life post-cricket became a huge struggle. The adrenaline rush was replaced by the ordinary pressures of business. Attempts at and a wine bar did not succeed. Alongside marital difficulties and mounting debts, he fell victim to addiction and deep depression.
Emigrating to Western Australia accompanied by his brother Chris was meant to be a reset but did not solve his underlying issues. During his darkest hour, he contemplated suicide, only being pulled back from the brink by the intervention of his son and a compassionate neighbour.
His family includes Karin, his partner, his son and daughter, and brother Chris.
