Cricket Mourns Robin Smith, Who Has Died Aged 62.
During the period preceding the explosive T20 revolution, few could match a cricket ball with greater ferocity than Robin Smith. Constructed with the physique of a fighter yet endowed with the quick feet inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, his shots were unleashed – especially his trademark square cut – with such violence they could dent in advertising boards and shattered the hopes of the opposition.
Smith, who has died after a prolonged illness, presented as a figure of profound contradictions. On the surface, he was the very image of fearless, attacking batsmanship, celebrated for epic duels with the world's fastest bowlers. However, beneath this facade of bravado lay a man constantly questioning his own worth, a battle he concealed during his playing days that subsequently fuelled battles with depression and addiction.
Sheer Bravery Coupled with a Craving for Adrenaline
His courage facing quick bowlers was utterly authentic. The source of this courage, involved a combination of pure grit and a self-confessed thrill-seeking nature. Teammates wondered if he wired differently, positively relishing the brutal examination of confronting express bowling, which demanded blistering reactions and an ability to absorb blows.
This trait was never better displayed during his legendary unbeaten 148 for England against the West Indies at Lord's in 1991. On a tricky surface, facing the furious onslaught of two of the greatest fast bowlers in history, Smith not only survived but thrived, his eyes reportedly sparkling the physical duel of short balls and fours. He later described that it left him feeling “electrified”.
A Notable Test Career
Featuring mostly at number five or six, Smith played for England across 62 Tests and 71 ODIs from the late 80s to the mid-90s. He amassed over four thousand Test runs averaging 43.67, which contained nine three-figure scores. In ODI cricket, he compiled 2,419 ODI runs averaging close to 40.
A particularly brutal innings occurred in 1993 in Birmingham versus the old enemy, where he smashed 167 ruthless runs. The innings was so powerful that even the then personally congratulated the country's leader. Yet, in a cruel twist, England ended up losing that contest.
The 'Judge' and a Troubled Soul
Affectionately nicknamed ‘Judge’ after a wig-like haircut that looked like a judge's wig, his batting average in Tests was notably impressive, especially considering he played for a frequently defeated England team. It is widely felt his international career was ended somewhat unfairly following a contentious trip to South Africa during the mid-90s.
He admitted in his autobiography, he existed as a dual personality: ‘The Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who loved a fight, and the man himself, a gentle, feeling individual. Each persona fought for dominance.
His fierce loyalty could also be his downfall. One well-known episode involved him standing up for West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall from racist abuse in a hotel bar. When verbal requests were ignored, Smith knocked out the ringleader, a response resulting in a broken hand causing six weeks of cricket.
Struggles in Retirement
The transition to life outside the dressing room proved exceptionally difficult. The buzz of the game was replaced by the routine demands of business. Attempts at a travel company did not succeed. Coupled with a strained relationship and serious money troubles, he fell victim to alcohol dependency and deep depression.
A move to Australia alongside his children was meant to be a reset but did not solve his personal demons. At his lowest point, he thought about taking his own life, before being talked back from the edge by the support of his son and a compassionate neighbour.
Robin Smith is survived by Karin, his partner, Harrison and Margaux, and elder brother Chris.
