Tributes Paid to England Batting Great, Aged 62.

During the period preceding the explosive T20 revolution, arguably nobody hit the cricket ball with greater ferocity as Robin Smith. Built with the physique of a fighter but possessing the quick feet from his mother, a dancer, he unleashed strokes – especially his trademark square cut – with such devastating power they could dent in perimeter fencing while crushing the hopes of the opposition.

Smith, who has died after a lengthy battle with poor health, existed filled with stark contrasts. On the surface, he was the very image of a brave, front-foot player, famed for thrilling battles against express pace. However, beneath this facade of bravado was a deeply insecure individual, a conflict he kept hidden throughout his career only to later contributed to struggles against addiction and mental health issues.

Unflinching Guts and a Thirst for Danger

His bravery versus fast bowling was utterly authentic. The source of this courage, was a complex blend of pure grit and a self-confessed thrill-seeking nature. Many felt he was neurologically unique, actively craving the brutal examination of facing extreme pace, which demanded lightning reflexes and a willingness to suffer physical punishment.

This was perfectly illustrated during his legendary unbeaten 148 playing for England against the West Indies at Lord's Cricket Ground in 1991. On a tricky surface, as Curtly Ambrose and Malcolm Marshall, Smith not only survived he positively flourished, his eyes reportedly sparkling the physical duel of bouncers and boundaries. He admitted afterwards that it left him feeling “tingling”.

A Notable Test Career

Playing largely as a middle-order batsman, He earned caps for England across 62 Tests plus 71 limited-overs games during an eight-year international span. He scored over four thousand Test runs averaging 43.67, which contained nine three-figure scores. In ODI cricket, he made almost two and a half thousand runs with an average just under 40.

Perhaps his most ferocious knock came in 1993 at Edgbaston against Australia, blasting a brutal 167 runs. It was such a domineering performance that even the then personally congratulated the Prime Minister, John Major. Sadly, a recurring theme, the side still failed to win the match.

The 'Judge' and a Complex Legacy

Known widely as ‘The Judge’ after a wig-like haircut reminiscent of a court wig, his batting average in Tests was notably impressive, especially considering his career spanned in a losing era. Many believe he was discarded too hastily by selectors post a fractious series of South Africa during the mid-90s.

As he later confessed, he felt like a dual personality: ‘Judge’, the tough, confrontational competitor who loved a fight, and the man himself, a gentle, feeling individual. The two identities suppressed the other.

An unshakeable sense of loyalty occasionally led to trouble. In a notable incident saw him defend teammate Malcolm Marshall against racial taunts in a hotel bar. After words failed, he floored the main aggressor, an act that broke his own hand leading to a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Difficult Transition

Moving on from the game outside the dressing room was immensely challenging. The adrenaline rush was substituted for the ordinary pressures of commerce. Attempts at bat manufacturing ultimately faltered. Coupled with marital difficulties and serious money troubles, he spiralled into alcohol dependency and deep depression.

Relocating to Perth accompanied by his brother Chris provided a new beginning but couldn't resolve his underlying issues. At his lowest point, he considered ending his life, and was only saved from that decision by the support of his child and a friend.

His family includes his partner, Karin, Harrison and Margaux, and his brother, Chris.