Remembering Robin Smith, Aged 62.
In the age before the high-octane T20 era, few could match the cricket ball with such sheer force than Robin Smith. Shaped with the physique of a fighter yet endowed with the nimble footwork of his ballet dancer mother, his shots were unleashed – especially his trademark square cut – with such devastating power that they left dents in boundary hoardings and shattered bowlers' confidence.
The cricketer's death comes after a prolonged illness, presented as a figure filled with stark contrasts. To the public eye, he was the very image of fearless, attacking batsmanship, famed for thrilling battles against express pace. However, beneath this mask of confidence was a deeply insecure individual, a struggle he kept hidden during his playing days but which later contributed to problems of alcoholism and depression.
Unflinching Guts and a Thirst for Adrenaline
His fearlessness against pace could never be doubted. But the driving force, was a complex blend of innate toughness and a self-confessed need for the rush. Teammates wondered if he wired differently, positively relishing the brutal examination of facing extreme pace, which demanded lightning reflexes and a high tolerance for pain.
This was perfectly illustrated during his legendary innings of 148 not out representing his country facing the Caribbean pace attack at Lord's in 1991. On a difficult pitch, against the rampant two of the greatest fast bowlers in history, he did not merely endure he positively flourished, apparently delighting in the fierce contest of intimidation and strokeplay. He admitted afterwards the experience as leaving him “electrified”.
A Notable International Career
Batting primarily as a middle-order batsman, Smith represented England across 62 Tests and 71 ODIs during an eight-year international span. He accumulated more than four thousand runs in Tests with a mean of 43.67, which contained nine centuries. In ODI cricket, he made 2,419 runs at an average just under 40.
A particularly brutal innings came in 1993 in Birmingham versus the old enemy, blasting a devastating 167. The innings was so powerful that even the then personally congratulated PM John Major. However, in a frustrating pattern, the side could not secure victory the game.
The Moniker and a Troubled Soul
Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Judge’ because of a youthful haircut reminiscent of a court wig, Smith's Test average was notably impressive, not least because he featured during a period of English struggle. It is widely felt selectors moved on from him somewhat unfairly following a contentious trip of South Africa in 1995-96.
In his own words, he existed as a dual personality: ‘The Judge’, the arrogant, combative cricketer who lived for conflict, and Robin Smith, a vulnerable person. The two identities were in constant tension.
His staunch allegiance occasionally led to trouble. One well-known episode he intervened to protect West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall against racial taunts in Leicester. Following unsuccessful appeals, Smith knocked out the main aggressor, a response which fractured his hand causing six weeks of cricket.
Life After Cricket
The transition to life outside the dressing room became a huge struggle. The adrenaline rush gave way to the mundane realities of running companies. Attempts at a travel company ultimately faltered. Coupled with a strained relationship and financial woes, he fell victim to addiction and profound despair.
A move to Australia alongside his children was meant to be a reset but couldn't resolve his personal demons. At his lowest point, he considered ending his life, only being pulled back from the brink by the intervention of family and a neighbour.
Robin Smith is survived by Karin, his partner, his son and daughter, and elder brother Chris.
