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

Long before the dawn of the high-octane Twenty20 format, few could match the cricket ball with such sheer force than Robin Smith. Shaped with the physique of a fighter but possessing the nimble footwork from his mother, a dancer, his shots were unleashed – the square cut in particular – with such violence they could dent in advertising boards and shattered the morale of opponents.

The cricketer's death comes following a long period of ill health, presented as a figure filled with stark contrasts. On the surface, he appeared the embodiment of a brave, front-foot player, celebrated for epic duels with fearsome quicks. But behind this facade of bravado lay a deeply insecure individual, a struggle he masked while on the field only to later contributed to problems of depression and addiction.

Sheer Bravery and a Thirst for Adrenaline

His bravery versus fast bowling was utterly authentic. The source of this courage, involved a combination of innate toughness and an admitted thrill-seeking nature. Teammates wondered if he was built differently, actively craving the brutal examination of standing up to thunderbolts, which calls for lightning reflexes and a high tolerance for pain.

The ultimate demonstration came during his legendary innings of 148 not out playing for England versus the mighty West Indies at the Home of Cricket in 1991. On a difficult pitch, as Curtly Ambrose and Malcolm Marshall, Smith not only survived but thrived, his eyes reportedly sparkling the fierce contest of intimidation and strokeplay. He later described that it left him feeling “buzzing”.

A Stellar Test Career

Featuring mostly as a middle-order batsman, Smith played for England across 62 Tests and 71 One-Day Internationals during an eight-year international span. He amassed over four thousand Test runs with a mean of 43-plus, featuring nine three-figure scores. In the 50-over format, he compiled 2,419 runs at an average nearing forty.

Perhaps his most ferocious knock was played in 1993 in Birmingham facing the Aussies, blasting a devastating 167. The display was so impressive that even the then direct praise from PM John Major. Sadly, a recurring theme, his team could not secure victory that contest.

The 'Judge' and Lasting Contradictions

Affectionately nicknamed ‘the Judge’ because of a youthful haircut reminiscent of a court wig, his batting average in Tests remains highly respectable, not least because he played for a frequently defeated England team. Many believe selectors moved on from him somewhat unfairly following a contentious trip of South Africa in the winter of 95/96.

In his own words, he existed as two people: ‘The Judge’, the tough, confrontational competitor who thrived on battle, and plain Robin, a vulnerable person. Each persona fought for dominance.

His fierce loyalty could also be his downfall. In a notable incident involved him standing up for fellow Hampshire player Malcolm Marshall against racial taunts at a team hotel. Following unsuccessful appeals, he floored the primary abuser, an act which fractured his hand causing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Difficult Transition

Moving on from the game post-cricket became a huge struggle. The thrill of competition was replaced by the routine demands of commerce. Attempts at bat manufacturing did not succeed. Coupled with marital difficulties and serious money troubles, he descended into addiction and severe depression.

A move to Australia alongside his children provided a new beginning but couldn't resolve his personal demons. At his lowest point, he thought about taking his own life, only being pulled back from the brink by the intervention of family and a neighbour.

He leaves behind Karin, his partner, Harrison and Margaux, and elder brother Chris.