Remembering The 'Judge', Who Has Died Aged 62.
In the age before the high-octane Twenty20 format, arguably nobody hit the cricket ball with such sheer force as Robin Smith. Built like a boxer but possessing the agile movement of his ballet dancer mother, his shots were unleashed – notably his ferocious square cut – with such devastating power they could dent in boundary hoardings and deflated the hopes of the opposition.
Smith has passed away following a long period of ill health, was a man filled with stark contrasts. Outwardly, he was the very image of fearless, attacking batsmanship, renowned for thrilling battles with the world's fastest bowlers. However, beneath this show of machismo lay a person plagued by self-doubt, a battle he masked while on the field but which later led to struggles against alcoholism and depression.
Raw Courage Coupled with a Craving for the Rush
His courage facing quick bowlers could never be doubted. The motivation, however, was a complex blend of pure grit and a confessed need for the rush. He seemed was neurologically unique, positively relishing the brutal examination of standing up to thunderbolts, a situation requiring instant responses and a willingness to suffer physical punishment.
This was perfectly illustrated during his legendary undefeated knock of 148 playing for England against the West Indies at the Home of Cricket in 1991. On a difficult pitch, as Curtly Ambrose and Malcolm Marshall, Smith stood firm but thrived, relishing the fierce contest of bouncers and boundaries. He later described the experience as leaving him “electrified”.
A Notable England Tenure
Playing largely as a middle-order batsman, Smith represented England in 62 Test matches plus 71 limited-overs games between 1988 and 1996. He amassed more than four thousand runs in Tests averaging 43.67, including nine three-figure scores. In ODI cricket, he compiled almost two and a half thousand runs at an average just under 40.
Perhaps his most ferocious knock occurred in 1993 against Australia facing the Aussies, hammering a devastating 167. The display was so impressive he earned personally congratulated PM John Major. However, in a frustrating pattern, his team could not secure victory the match.
His Nickname and Lasting Contradictions
Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Judge’ due to an early hairstyle resembling a judicial wig, Smith's Test average stands as commendable, particularly given his career spanned during a period of English struggle. Many believe selectors moved on from him prematurely by the panel following a contentious trip in South Africa in 1995-96.
He admitted in his autobiography, he felt like a dual personality: ‘The Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who lived for conflict, and the man himself, a vulnerable person. The two identities suppressed the other.
An unshakeable sense of loyalty could also be his downfall. One well-known episode saw him defend fellow Hampshire player Malcolm Marshall from racist abuse in a hotel bar. When verbal requests were ignored, he floored the main aggressor, a move that broke his own hand causing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Life After Cricket
The transition to life outside the dressing room was immensely challenging. The thrill of competition was replaced by the ordinary pressures of running companies. Businesses involving bat manufacturing eventually failed. Coupled with problems in his marriage and mounting debts, he fell victim to addiction and severe depression.
A move to Australia accompanied by his brother Chris offered a fresh start but failed to fix his underlying issues. At his lowest point, he thought about taking his own life, only being pulled back from the edge through the care of his son and a compassionate neighbour.
He leaves behind his partner, Karin, Harrison and Margaux, and his brother, Chris.
