Tributes Paid to The 'Judge', Aged 62.
In the age before the explosive T20 revolution, few could match the leather with more raw power as Robin Smith. Constructed like a boxer yet endowed with the nimble footwork inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, he produced shots – especially his trademark square cut – with such immense force that they left dents in perimeter fencing and deflated bowlers' confidence.
Smith, who has died after a lengthy battle with poor health, presented as a figure riddled with paradox. Outwardly, he was the epitome of fearless, attacking batsmanship, renowned for memorable contests against express pace. But behind this mask of confidence lay a man constantly questioning his own worth, a conflict he masked during his playing days only to later contributed to battles with addiction and mental health issues.
Unflinching Guts Mixed with a Desire for Danger
His courage facing quick bowlers could never be doubted. The motivation, however, was a complex blend of pure grit and a confessed need for the rush. Teammates wondered if he was neurologically unique, seeking out the masochistic test of standing up to thunderbolts, which calls for instant responses and a high tolerance for pain.
The ultimate demonstration came during an iconic unbeaten 148 representing his country against the West Indies at Lord's Cricket Ground in 1991. In challenging conditions, facing the furious onslaught of a pair of legendary pacemen, Smith stood firm he positively flourished, his eyes reportedly sparkling the fierce contest of intimidation and strokeplay. He admitted afterwards the experience as leaving him “electrified”.
A Notable International Career
Featuring mostly at number five or six, Smith played for England across 62 Tests and 71 One-Day Internationals from the late 80s to the mid-90s. He amassed over four thousand Test runs averaging 43-plus, featuring nine three-figure scores. In ODI cricket, he gathered almost two and a half thousand runs with an average just under 40.
One of his most destructive displays occurred in 1993 against Australia facing the Aussies, hammering a devastating 167. The innings was so powerful he earned personally congratulated the Prime Minister, John Major. Sadly, a recurring theme, England could not secure victory the match.
The 'Judge' and a Troubled Soul
Known widely as ‘Judge’ after a wig-like haircut that looked like a judge's wig, Smith's Test average stands as commendable, especially considering he featured during a period of English struggle. It is widely felt his international career was ended too hastily by selectors post a fractious series of South Africa during the mid-90s.
As he later confessed, he existed as two distinct characters: ‘Judge’, the arrogant, combative cricketer who loved a fight, and Robin Smith, a sensitive, emotional man. These two sides suppressed the other.
An unshakeable sense of loyalty occasionally led to trouble. Most famously he intervened to protect teammate Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs in Leicester. When verbal requests were ignored, he floored the main aggressor, an act which fractured his hand and cost him a significant layoff.
Struggles in Retirement
Moving on from the game post-cricket became a huge struggle. The buzz of the game was substituted for the mundane realities of running companies. Ventures into a travel company eventually failed. Coupled with problems in his marriage and serious money troubles, he fell victim to heavy drinking and profound despair.
Relocating to Perth alongside his children provided a new beginning but couldn't resolve his underlying issues. In a moment of deep crisis, he contemplated suicide, and was only saved from the brink by the intervention of his son and a compassionate neighbour.
Robin Smith is survived by his partner, Karin, his two children, and elder brother Chris.
