Cricket Mourns The 'Judge', Who Has Died Aged 62.
In the age before the high-octane T20 era, arguably nobody hit a cricket ball with more raw power as Robin Smith. Shaped with the physique of a fighter yet endowed with the agile movement inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, he produced shots – the square cut in particular – with such immense force they could dent in advertising boards and shattered the morale of opponents.
Smith, who has died following a long period of ill health, presented as a figure filled with stark contrasts. On the surface, he was the very image of courageous, aggressive batting, renowned for thrilling battles against express pace. Yet, behind this mask of confidence lay a man constantly questioning his own worth, a battle he masked during his playing days only to later led to battles with depression and addiction.
Raw Courage and a Thirst for Danger
His courage facing quick bowlers was utterly authentic. But the driving force, was a curious mix of pure grit and a confessed need for the rush. Teammates wondered if he was neurologically unique, positively relishing the punishing challenge of facing extreme pace, which calls for blistering reactions and a high tolerance for pain.
This was perfectly illustrated during his legendary unbeaten 148 for England facing the Caribbean pace attack at Lord's Cricket Ground in 1991. On a difficult pitch, as a pair of legendary pacemen, he did not merely endure but thrived, his eyes reportedly sparkling the physical duel of intimidation and strokeplay. He later described the experience as leaving him “buzzing”.
An Impressive England Tenure
Playing largely as a middle-order batsman, Smith played for England across 62 Tests and 71 ODIs from the late 80s to the mid-90s. He accumulated more than four thousand runs in Tests with a mean of 43-plus, featuring nine hundreds. In the one-day arena, he made 2,419 runs at an average just under 40.
One of his most destructive displays was played in 1993 at Edgbaston against Australia, where he smashed a devastating 167. The display was so impressive that even the then direct praise from PM John Major. However, in a frustrating pattern, England ended up losing that contest.
The Moniker and a Troubled Soul
Dubbed ‘Judge’ after a wig-like haircut that looked like a judge's wig, his batting average in Tests remains highly respectable, not least because his career spanned in a losing era. Many believe his international career was ended too hastily by selectors after a difficult tour to South Africa in 1995-96.
As he later confessed, he was two people: ‘Judge’, the tough, confrontational competitor who thrived on battle, and the man himself, a sensitive, emotional man. Each persona were in constant tension.
His staunch allegiance occasionally led to trouble. Most famously saw him defend West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs in Leicester. When verbal requests were ignored, Smith knocked out the main aggressor, a move which fractured his hand causing six weeks of cricket.
The Difficult Transition
Moving on from the game outside the dressing room became a huge struggle. The buzz of the game was replaced by the mundane realities of commerce. Attempts at and a wine bar did not succeed. Compounded by marital difficulties and mounting debts, he spiralled into addiction and deep depression.
A move to Australia alongside his children offered a fresh start but did not solve his personal demons. In a moment of deep crisis, he contemplated suicide, before being talked back from the edge by the support of his son and a compassionate neighbour.
He leaves behind Karin, his partner, his son and daughter, and elder brother Chris.
