Tributes Paid to The 'Judge', Aged 62.
In the age before the frenetic Twenty20 revolution, few could match the leather with greater ferocity than Robin Smith. Built with a prizefighter's frame but possessing the agile movement from his mother, a dancer, he produced shots – notably his ferocious square cut – with such violence they dented in perimeter fencing and deflated the hopes of the opposition.
Smith has passed away following a long period of ill health, was a man filled with stark contrasts. On the surface, he was the epitome of courageous, aggressive batting, celebrated for thrilling battles with fearsome quicks. However, beneath this facade of bravado was a deeply insecure individual, a struggle he kept hidden throughout his career that subsequently contributed to battles with alcoholism and depression.
Raw Courage Coupled with a Craving for Danger
His courage facing quick bowlers was utterly authentic. But the driving force, was a complex blend of innate toughness and an admitted addiction to adrenaline. He seemed was built differently, seeking out the masochistic test of facing extreme pace, which demanded instant responses 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 difficult pitch, as Curtly Ambrose and Malcolm Marshall, Smith stood firm but counter-attacked with gusto, his eyes reportedly sparkling the fierce contest of intimidation and strokeplay. In retrospect, he said that it left him feeling “tingling”.
An Impressive England Tenure
Playing largely at number five or six, He earned caps for England across 62 Tests plus 71 limited-overs games between 1988 and 1996. He amassed 4,236 Test runs with a mean of 43-plus, featuring nine hundreds. In the one-day arena, he made 2,419 runs with an average just under 40.
Perhaps his most ferocious knock was played in 1993 against Australia against Australia, hammering a devastating 167. The innings was so powerful that he was reportedly commendations from PM John Major. Sadly, a recurring theme, England could not secure victory that contest.
The Moniker and a Troubled Soul
Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Judge’ because of a youthful haircut that looked like a judge's wig, his batting average in Tests was notably impressive, especially considering he played for a frequently defeated England team. Many believe his international career was ended too hastily by selectors following a contentious trip to South Africa in 1995-96.
He admitted in his autobiography, he existed as two distinct characters: ‘the Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who lived for conflict, and plain Robin, a vulnerable person. Each persona suppressed the other.
His staunch allegiance occasionally led to trouble. Most famously saw him defend teammate Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs at a team hotel. After words failed, Smith knocked out the ringleader, an act resulting in a broken hand and cost him a significant layoff.
Life After Cricket
Adapting to a world after professional sport proved exceptionally difficult. The buzz of the game was replaced by the mundane realities of commerce. Ventures into bat manufacturing eventually failed. Alongside a strained relationship and financial woes, he spiralled into heavy drinking and severe depression.
A move to Australia with his family was meant to be a reset but did not solve his core problems. In a moment of deep crisis, he contemplated suicide, and was only saved from the edge by the support of family and a neighbour.
He leaves behind his companion, Karin, Harrison and Margaux, and brother Chris.
