Cricket Mourns England Batting Great, Who Has Died Aged 62.

During the period preceding the explosive T20 era, no one struck a cricket ball with more raw power as Robin Smith. Shaped with a prizefighter's frame yet blessed with the nimble footwork inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, he unleashed strokes – especially his trademark square cut – with such devastating power they could dent in boundary hoardings while crushing the morale of opponents.

The cricketer's death comes after a lengthy battle with poor health, was a man of profound contradictions. On the surface, he was the very image of fearless, attacking batsmanship, celebrated for epic duels against express pace. Yet, behind this mask of confidence was a man constantly questioning his own worth, a battle he masked during his playing days that subsequently fuelled problems of alcoholism and depression.

Raw Courage Mixed with a Desire for Danger

His bravery versus fast bowling was unquestionably genuine. But the driving force, was a complex blend of pure grit and an admitted thrill-seeking nature. He seemed wired differently, positively relishing the masochistic test of confronting express bowling, a situation requiring lightning reflexes and an ability to absorb blows.

This was perfectly illustrated during an iconic innings of 148 not out representing his country facing the Caribbean pace attack at the Home of Cricket in 1991. On a tricky surface, as Curtly Ambrose and Malcolm Marshall, Smith not only survived but counter-attacked with gusto, relishing the physical duel of short balls and fours. He admitted afterwards that it left him feeling “buzzing”.

An Impressive Test Career

Playing largely at number five or six, Smith represented England in 62 Test matches plus 71 limited-overs games during an eight-year international span. He scored over four thousand Test runs with a mean of 43.67, which contained nine centuries. In the one-day arena, he compiled almost two and a half thousand runs averaging nearing forty.

A particularly brutal innings came in 1993 in Birmingham versus the old enemy, blasting a brutal 167 runs. The display was so impressive that he was reportedly personally congratulated the Prime Minister, John Major. Yet, in a cruel twist, England ended up losing the game.

The Moniker and a Troubled Soul

Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Judge’ because of a youthful haircut that looked like a judge's wig, Smith's Test average remains highly respectable, particularly given he featured for a frequently defeated England team. It is widely felt his international career was ended somewhat unfairly after a difficult tour of South Africa during the mid-90s.

As he later confessed, he existed as a dual personality: ‘Judge’, the arrogant, combative cricketer who loved a fight, and Robin Smith, a vulnerable person. Each persona fought for dominance.

An unshakeable sense of loyalty occasionally led to trouble. In a notable incident involved him standing up for fellow Hampshire player Malcolm Marshall against racial taunts in a hotel bar. After words failed, Smith knocked out the ringleader, a response resulting in a broken hand causing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Struggles in Retirement

Adapting to a world outside the dressing room became a huge struggle. The thrill of competition was replaced by the mundane realities of running companies. Businesses involving a travel company did not succeed. Compounded by marital difficulties and financial woes, he spiralled into heavy drinking and profound despair.

Relocating to Perth accompanied by his brother Chris was meant to be a reset but couldn't resolve his core problems. In a moment of deep crisis, he thought about taking his own life, only being pulled back from the brink through the care of his child and a friend.

His family includes his partner, Karin, his son and daughter, and elder brother Chris.