Remembering Robin Smith, 1963-2025.

Long before the dawn of the high-octane T20 format, no one struck the cricket ball with such sheer force as Robin Smith. Shaped like a boxer but possessing the quick feet from his mother, a dancer, he unleashed strokes – especially his trademark square cut – with such devastating power they could dent in perimeter fencing while crushing bowlers' confidence.

The cricketer's death comes after a lengthy battle with poor health, presented as a figure riddled with paradox. To the public eye, he was the epitome of a brave, front-foot player, renowned for thrilling battles with fearsome quicks. But behind this facade of bravado lay a person plagued by self-doubt, a struggle he concealed during his playing days that subsequently led to struggles against addiction and mental health issues.

Raw Courage and a Thirst for Danger

His courage facing quick bowlers was utterly authentic. The source of this courage, was a complex blend of pure grit and an admitted need for the rush. Teammates wondered if he wired differently, positively relishing the masochistic test of standing up to thunderbolts, which demanded blistering reactions and a willingness to suffer physical punishment.

This trait was never better displayed 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 tricky surface, facing the furious onslaught of two of the greatest fast bowlers in history, he did not merely endure but counter-attacked with gusto, his eyes reportedly sparkling the physical duel of short balls and fours. He later described the feeling was one of “electrified”.

An Impressive International Career

Featuring mostly in the middle order, He earned caps for England over 62 Test matches and 71 One-Day Internationals from the late 80s to the mid-90s. He accumulated over four thousand Test runs averaging 43.67, which contained nine centuries. In the 50-over format, he made almost two and a half thousand runs averaging just under 40.

One of his most destructive displays came in 1993 at Edgbaston against Australia, hammering a devastating 167. It was such a domineering performance that even the then direct praise from the Prime Minister, John Major. However, in a frustrating pattern, his team could not secure victory the game.

His Nickname and Lasting Contradictions

Affectionately nicknamed ‘Judge’ after a wig-like haircut that looked like a judge's wig, his batting average in Tests was notably impressive, not least because he featured in a losing era. It is widely felt selectors moved on from him prematurely by the panel after a difficult tour to South Africa in 1995-96.

As he later confessed, he existed as two people: ‘the Judge’, the arrogant, combative cricketer who thrived on battle, and the man himself, a gentle, feeling individual. Each persona fought for dominance.

His fierce loyalty occasionally led to trouble. One well-known episode involved him standing up for West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs at a team hotel. After words failed, Smith knocked out the main aggressor, a move that broke his own hand leading to six weeks of cricket.

Struggles in Retirement

The transition to life post-cricket proved exceptionally difficult. The adrenaline rush gave way to the routine demands of business. Ventures into and a wine bar ultimately faltered. Alongside a strained relationship and financial woes, he descended into addiction and severe depression.

Emigrating to Western Australia accompanied by his brother Chris offered a fresh start but failed to fix his core problems. During his darkest hour, he contemplated suicide, before being talked back from the edge through the care of his son and a compassionate neighbour.

Robin Smith is survived by his partner, Karin, his son and daughter, and elder brother Chris.