Tributes Paid to The 'Judge', Who Has Died Aged 62.
Long before the dawn of the frenetic T20 revolution, few could match the leather with more raw power as Robin Smith. Built like a boxer but possessing the quick feet of his ballet dancer mother, he produced shots – the square cut in particular – with such violence that they left dents in advertising boards and shattered the morale of opponents.
Smith has passed away after a lengthy battle with poor health, was a man filled with stark contrasts. On the surface, he was the epitome of a brave, front-foot player, famed for thrilling battles with fearsome quicks. But behind this facade of bravado lay a deeply insecure individual, a conflict he kept hidden during his playing days that subsequently fuelled battles with addiction and mental health issues.
Raw Courage Coupled with a Craving for Adrenaline
His bravery versus fast bowling was unquestionably genuine. But the driving force, was a complex blend of innate toughness and an admitted addiction to adrenaline. Teammates wondered if he wired differently, positively relishing the masochistic test of confronting express bowling, a situation requiring instant responses and a willingness to suffer physical punishment.
This trait was never better displayed during his legendary unbeaten 148 for England facing the Caribbean pace attack at the Home of Cricket in 1991. On a difficult pitch, against the rampant two of the greatest fast bowlers in history, Smith not only survived but thrived, apparently delighting in the fierce contest of bouncers and boundaries. In retrospect, he said that it left him feeling “tingling”.
A Notable International Career
Featuring mostly at number five or six, He earned caps for England across 62 Tests and 71 ODIs from the late 80s to the mid-90s. He amassed more than four thousand runs in Tests at an average of 43.67, which contained nine centuries. In ODI cricket, he compiled 2,419 runs at an average just under 40.
A particularly brutal innings was played in 1993 at Edgbaston facing the Aussies, blasting a devastating 167. The innings was so powerful that even the then direct praise from the Prime Minister, John Major. Sadly, a recurring theme, his team still failed to win that contest.
The Moniker and Lasting Contradictions
Affectionately nicknamed ‘the Judge’ after a wig-like haircut reminiscent of a court wig, his batting average in Tests was notably impressive, not least because he featured in a losing era. Many believe his international career was ended somewhat unfairly post a fractious series of South Africa in 1995-96.
He admitted in his autobiography, he was two people: ‘the Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who thrived on battle, and Robin Smith, a vulnerable person. The two identities fought for dominance.
His fierce loyalty occasionally led to trouble. In a notable incident involved him standing up for West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs in Leicester. After words failed, Smith knocked out the primary abuser, a response that broke his own hand leading to a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Struggles in Retirement
Moving on from the game after professional sport proved exceptionally difficult. The adrenaline rush gave way to the routine demands of business. Businesses involving and a wine bar ultimately faltered. Alongside a strained relationship and serious money troubles, he spiralled into alcohol dependency and severe depression.
Emigrating to Western Australia accompanied by his brother Chris was meant to be a reset but did not solve his underlying issues. During his darkest hour, he contemplated suicide, before being talked back from that decision by the intervention of his child and a friend.
He leaves behind Karin, his partner, Harrison and Margaux, and elder brother Chris.
