Cricket Mourns England Batting Great, Aged 62.

During the period preceding the explosive Twenty20 format, arguably nobody hit the cricket ball with more raw power as Robin Smith. Shaped like a boxer but possessing the agile movement from his mother, a dancer, he unleashed strokes – especially his trademark square cut – with such immense force that they left dents in perimeter fencing and shattered the morale of opponents.

Smith has passed away after a lengthy battle with poor health, presented as a figure riddled with paradox. On the surface, he appeared the embodiment of a brave, front-foot player, famed for thrilling battles against express pace. Yet, behind this mask of confidence lay a deeply insecure individual, a struggle he concealed throughout his career only to later contributed to battles with alcoholism and depression.

Unflinching Guts Coupled with a Craving for Adrenaline

His courage facing quick bowlers could never be doubted. The motivation, however, was a curious mix of innate toughness and a confessed addiction to adrenaline. Many felt he was built differently, seeking out the punishing challenge of confronting express bowling, which calls for blistering reactions and a willingness to suffer physical punishment.

This trait was never better displayed in his famous undefeated knock of 148 playing for England versus the mighty West Indies at Lord's in 1991. In challenging conditions, facing the furious onslaught of a pair of legendary pacemen, Smith not only survived he positively flourished, apparently delighting in the fierce contest of short balls and fours. He admitted afterwards that it left him feeling “buzzing”.

A Notable Test Career

Featuring mostly at number five or six, He earned caps for England across 62 Tests and 71 One-Day Internationals from the late 80s to the mid-90s. He accumulated more than four thousand runs in Tests at an average of 43.67, which contained nine hundreds. In ODI cricket, he compiled 2,419 runs with an average nearing forty.

One of his most destructive displays came in 1993 in Birmingham versus the old enemy, hammering a brutal 167 runs. The innings was so powerful he earned commendations from the country's leader. Sadly, a recurring theme, England could not secure victory the match.

The Moniker and a Complex Legacy

Known widely as ‘the Judge’ due to an early hairstyle reminiscent of a court wig, his mean in Test cricket remains highly respectable, particularly given he played in a losing era. It is widely felt his international career was ended prematurely by the panel after a difficult tour of South Africa in 1995-96.

In his own words, he was two distinct characters: ‘Judge’, the tough, confrontational competitor who loved a fight, and the man himself, a vulnerable person. Each persona fought for dominance.

An unshakeable sense of loyalty sometimes caused him problems. In a notable incident saw him defend teammate Malcolm Marshall against racial taunts at a team hotel. After words failed, he punched the primary abuser, a response that broke his own hand leading to a significant layoff.

The Difficult Transition

Adapting to a world after professional sport was immensely challenging. The thrill of competition was substituted for the mundane realities of business. Businesses involving and a wine bar ultimately faltered. Coupled with marital difficulties and serious money troubles, he spiralled into addiction and deep depression.

Emigrating to Western Australia accompanied by his brother Chris offered a fresh start but couldn't resolve his personal demons. During his darkest hour, he thought about taking his own life, and was only saved from the edge by the intervention of family and a neighbour.

He leaves behind his partner, Karin, his two children, and his brother, Chris.