Cricket Mourns The 'Judge', Aged 62.
In the age before the high-octane Twenty20 format, arguably nobody hit a cricket ball with greater ferocity than Robin Smith. Built with a prizefighter's frame but possessing the agile movement of his ballet dancer mother, he unleashed strokes – especially his trademark square cut – with such violence that they left dents in advertising boards and shattered bowlers' confidence.
The cricketer's death comes following a long period of ill health, presented as a figure filled with stark contrasts. Outwardly, he was the epitome of fearless, attacking batsmanship, celebrated for thrilling battles with the world's fastest bowlers. But behind this mask of confidence existed a person plagued by self-doubt, a conflict he masked while on the field that subsequently fuelled struggles against depression and addiction.
Sheer Bravery Mixed with a Desire for the Rush
His courage facing quick bowlers was utterly authentic. The source of this courage, involved a combination of innate toughness and a confessed addiction to adrenaline. Many felt he wired differently, actively craving the masochistic test of confronting express bowling, which demanded blistering reactions and an ability to absorb blows.
The ultimate demonstration came during an iconic undefeated knock of 148 for England versus the mighty West Indies at Lord's in 1991. On a difficult pitch, as Curtly Ambrose and Malcolm Marshall, Smith not only survived but counter-attacked with gusto, his eyes reportedly sparkling the physical duel of bouncers and boundaries. He admitted afterwards that it left him feeling “buzzing”.
A Notable England Tenure
Batting primarily at number five or six, He earned caps for England in 62 Test matches plus 71 limited-overs games from the late 80s to the mid-90s. He accumulated 4,236 Test runs with a mean of 43-plus, featuring nine centuries. In the one-day arena, he gathered 2,419 ODI runs averaging just under 40.
A particularly brutal innings came in 1993 against Australia versus the old enemy, where he smashed 167 ruthless runs. The innings was so powerful that even the then personally congratulated PM John Major. Sadly, a recurring theme, his team could not secure victory the game.
The 'Judge' and a Troubled Soul
Known widely as ‘Judge’ after a wig-like haircut reminiscent of a court wig, Smith's Test average remains highly respectable, particularly given he played during a period of English struggle. A common view is he was discarded prematurely by the panel after a difficult tour in South Africa in the winter of 95/96.
In his own words, he felt like two distinct characters: ‘the Judge’, the arrogant, combative cricketer who thrived on battle, and the man himself, a vulnerable person. Each persona fought for dominance.
His fierce loyalty could also be his downfall. Most famously saw him defend West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall against racial taunts at a team hotel. Following unsuccessful appeals, he floored the ringleader, an act resulting in a broken hand causing a significant layoff.
Struggles in Retirement
The transition to life outside the dressing room was immensely challenging. The thrill of competition was replaced by the mundane realities of running companies. Businesses involving a travel company did not succeed. Compounded by a strained relationship and mounting debts, he spiralled into alcohol dependency and deep depression.
A move to Australia accompanied by his brother Chris was meant to be a reset but did not solve his personal demons. At his lowest point, he thought about taking his own life, before being talked back from that decision by the intervention of his son and a compassionate neighbour.
His family includes Karin, his partner, his son and daughter, and brother Chris.
