Cricket Mourns Robin Smith, Who Has Died Aged 62.
In the age before the explosive Twenty20 format, no one struck the cricket ball with more raw power as Robin Smith. Shaped with a prizefighter's frame but possessing the quick feet from his mother, a dancer, he unleashed strokes – notably his ferocious square cut – with such violence they dented in boundary hoardings while crushing the hopes of the opposition.
The cricketer's death comes after a lengthy battle with poor health, presented as a figure filled with stark contrasts. On the surface, he was the very image of fearless, attacking batsmanship, celebrated for epic duels with fearsome quicks. But behind this show of machismo was a person plagued by self-doubt, a battle he kept hidden throughout his career but which later fuelled struggles against alcoholism and depression.
Sheer Bravery Coupled with a Craving for the Rush
His courage facing quick bowlers was utterly authentic. The source of this courage, was a complex blend of innate toughness and a self-confessed addiction to adrenaline. He seemed wired differently, seeking out the masochistic test of facing extreme pace, which calls for lightning reflexes and a high tolerance for pain.
The ultimate demonstration came in his famous unbeaten 148 playing for England versus the mighty West Indies at Lord's in 1991. On a difficult pitch, against the rampant a pair of legendary pacemen, Smith not only survived but counter-attacked with gusto, apparently delighting in the brutal exchange of intimidation and strokeplay. He admitted afterwards the experience as leaving him “electrified”.
An Impressive International Career
Featuring mostly at number five or six, Smith played for England across 62 Tests and 71 ODIs between 1988 and 1996. He amassed over four thousand Test runs averaging 43-plus, featuring nine centuries. In ODI cricket, he gathered 2,419 runs with an average just under 40.
One of his most destructive displays was played in 1993 at Edgbaston against Australia, where he smashed a devastating 167. The display was so impressive he earned direct praise from the Prime Minister, John Major. Yet, in a cruel twist, the side still failed to win that contest.
The 'Judge' and a Troubled Soul
Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Judge’ due to an early hairstyle reminiscent of a court wig, his batting average in Tests stands as commendable, particularly given he featured in a losing era. It is widely felt he was discarded too hastily by selectors after a difficult tour to South Africa in 1995-96.
As he later confessed, he felt like two people: ‘Judge’, the tough, confrontational competitor who loved a fight, and the man himself, a sensitive, emotional man. These two sides suppressed the other.
His fierce loyalty occasionally led to trouble. Most famously saw him defend fellow Hampshire player Malcolm Marshall against racial taunts at a team hotel. After words failed, Smith knocked out the primary abuser, a move resulting in a broken hand leading to a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Struggles in Retirement
Adapting to a world after professional sport proved exceptionally difficult. The adrenaline rush was replaced by the routine demands of business. Attempts at and a wine bar eventually failed. Coupled with a strained relationship and financial woes, he descended into heavy drinking and deep depression.
Relocating to Perth with his family provided a new beginning but did not solve his core problems. In a moment of deep crisis, he thought about taking his own life, and was only saved from the brink by the intervention of his son and a compassionate neighbour.
Robin Smith is survived by his companion, Karin, Harrison and Margaux, and brother Chris.
