Remembering The 'Judge', Who Has Died Aged 62.

During the period preceding the frenetic T20 format, few could match a cricket ball with greater ferocity than Robin Smith. Shaped with the physique of a fighter yet blessed with the quick feet of his ballet dancer mother, he unleashed strokes – notably his ferocious square cut – with such violence that they left dents in boundary hoardings while crushing the hopes of the opposition.

Smith has passed away after a lengthy battle with poor health, presented as a figure of profound contradictions. On the surface, he appeared the embodiment of courageous, aggressive batting, celebrated for memorable contests against express pace. However, beneath this show of machismo was a man constantly questioning his own worth, a struggle he masked throughout his career that subsequently fuelled struggles against depression and addiction.

Raw Courage Mixed with a Desire for Adrenaline

His bravery versus fast bowling was unquestionably genuine. The source of this courage, was a curious mix of innate toughness and an admitted addiction to adrenaline. Many felt he was neurologically unique, actively craving the masochistic test of confronting express bowling, which calls for lightning reflexes and a high tolerance for pain.

This trait was never better displayed during an iconic unbeaten 148 representing his country against the West Indies at Lord's in 1991. In challenging conditions, against the rampant Curtly Ambrose and Malcolm Marshall, he did not merely endure he positively flourished, his eyes reportedly sparkling the fierce contest of bouncers and boundaries. In retrospect, he said the experience as leaving him “tingling”.

A Notable Test Career

Playing largely at number five or six, Smith played for England over 62 Test matches plus 71 limited-overs games from the late 80s to the mid-90s. He accumulated over four thousand Test runs at an average of 43.67, which contained nine three-figure scores. In the 50-over format, he made almost two and a half thousand runs with an average close to 40.

Perhaps his most ferocious knock occurred in 1993 in Birmingham facing the Aussies, where he smashed a devastating 167. The display was so impressive he earned personally congratulated PM John Major. Sadly, a recurring theme, his team ended up losing the match.

The 'Judge' and Lasting Contradictions

Dubbed ‘Judge’ after a wig-like haircut reminiscent of a court wig, his mean in Test cricket remains highly respectable, not least because he featured for a frequently defeated England team. It is widely felt his international career was ended too hastily by selectors post a fractious series of South Africa during the mid-90s.

He admitted in his autobiography, he was two distinct characters: ‘the Judge’, the tough, confrontational competitor who thrived on battle, and Robin Smith, a vulnerable person. The two identities fought for dominance.

An unshakeable sense of loyalty sometimes caused him problems. One well-known episode involved him standing up for fellow Hampshire player Malcolm Marshall against racial taunts in a hotel bar. Following unsuccessful appeals, Smith knocked out the primary abuser, a move resulting in a broken hand causing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Struggles in Retirement

Adapting to a world after professional sport was immensely challenging. The buzz of the game gave way to the mundane realities of running companies. Businesses involving and a wine bar did not succeed. Alongside marital difficulties and mounting debts, he fell victim to heavy drinking and deep depression.

Relocating to Perth accompanied by his brother Chris was meant to be a reset but couldn't resolve his core problems. At his lowest point, he contemplated suicide, and was only saved from the brink through the care of family and a neighbour.

He leaves behind his companion, Karin, his two children, and brother Chris.