Tributes Paid to England Batting Great, Aged 62.
In the age before the explosive Twenty20 format, few could match the cricket ball with greater ferocity as Robin Smith. Built like a boxer yet blessed with the quick feet inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, he unleashed strokes – the square cut in particular – with such devastating power they dented in boundary hoardings and deflated the hopes of the opposition.
The cricketer's death comes after a lengthy battle with poor health, was a man riddled with paradox. Outwardly, he appeared the embodiment of fearless, attacking batsmanship, celebrated for epic duels against express pace. Yet, behind this facade of bravado lay a man constantly questioning his own worth, a battle he concealed while on the field only to later contributed to battles with alcoholism and depression.
Raw Courage and a Thirst for Adrenaline
His fearlessness against pace was unquestionably genuine. But the driving force, was a curious mix of innate toughness and a self-confessed thrill-seeking nature. He seemed wired differently, actively craving the brutal examination of confronting express bowling, which demanded lightning reflexes and an ability to absorb blows.
This was perfectly illustrated during his legendary innings of 148 not out for England against the West Indies at the Home of Cricket in 1991. On a difficult pitch, facing the furious onslaught of a pair of legendary pacemen, Smith not only survived but counter-attacked with gusto, apparently delighting in the fierce contest of bouncers and boundaries. In retrospect, he said the experience as leaving him “tingling”.
An Impressive England Tenure
Batting primarily at number five or six, Smith played for England across 62 Tests and 71 ODIs during an eight-year international span. He amassed 4,236 Test runs averaging 43.67, which contained nine three-figure scores. In the one-day arena, he compiled almost two and a half thousand runs at an average close to 40.
One of his most destructive displays occurred in 1993 at Edgbaston versus the old enemy, blasting a brutal 167 runs. The display was so impressive that he was reportedly direct praise from PM John Major. Yet, in a cruel twist, the side ended up losing the game.
His Nickname and Lasting Contradictions
Known widely as ‘Judge’ after a wig-like haircut that looked like a judge's wig, his mean in Test cricket was notably impressive, not least because his career spanned during a period of English struggle. Many believe selectors moved on from him somewhat unfairly following a contentious trip to South Africa in the winter of 95/96.
As he later confessed, he felt like two people: ‘Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who thrived on battle, and Robin Smith, a sensitive, emotional man. These two sides were in constant tension.
His fierce loyalty sometimes caused him problems. One well-known episode he intervened to protect West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall from racist abuse in a hotel bar. After words failed, he floored the ringleader, a move which fractured his hand leading to a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Life After Cricket
The transition to life after professional sport proved exceptionally difficult. The buzz of the game was substituted for the routine demands of business. Ventures into a travel company eventually failed. Coupled with marital difficulties and financial woes, he descended into addiction and profound despair.
Relocating to Perth accompanied by his brother Chris was meant to be a reset but did not solve his personal demons. During his darkest hour, he contemplated suicide, and was only saved from the brink by the support of family and a neighbour.
He leaves behind Karin, his partner, his two children, and brother Chris.
