Tributes Paid to Robin Smith, Aged 62.

Long before the dawn of the explosive T20 revolution, no one struck a cricket ball with greater ferocity than Robin Smith. Constructed with the physique of a fighter yet endowed with the agile movement of his ballet dancer mother, he unleashed strokes – especially his trademark square cut – with such immense force they dented in advertising boards while crushing bowlers' confidence.

Smith, who has died after a prolonged illness, presented as a figure of profound contradictions. Outwardly, he was the epitome of courageous, aggressive batting, celebrated for epic duels against express pace. But behind this facade of bravado existed a man constantly questioning his own worth, a conflict he masked during his playing days only to later led to problems of addiction and mental health issues.

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 pure grit and an admitted need for the rush. Many felt he was neurologically unique, positively relishing the punishing challenge of confronting express bowling, which calls for instant responses and an ability to absorb blows.

This trait was never better displayed during his legendary unbeaten 148 representing his country versus the mighty West Indies at Lord's Cricket Ground in 1991. In challenging conditions, against the rampant two of the greatest fast bowlers in history, Smith stood firm he positively flourished, apparently delighting in the fierce contest of bouncers and boundaries. He later described the experience as leaving him “tingling”.

An Impressive International Career

Featuring mostly at number five or six, He earned caps for England over 62 Test matches and 71 ODIs between 1988 and 1996. He scored over four thousand Test runs with a mean of 43.67, including nine three-figure scores. In the one-day arena, he made 2,419 ODI runs averaging just under 40.

Perhaps his most ferocious knock occurred in 1993 in Birmingham facing the Aussies, where he smashed a devastating 167. The innings was so powerful he earned commendations from the Prime Minister, John Major. Yet, in a cruel twist, England could not secure victory that contest.

The 'Judge' and a Troubled Soul

Known widely as ‘the Judge’ because of a youthful haircut that looked like a judge's wig, his mean in Test cricket was notably impressive, not least because he played for a frequently defeated England team. A common view is he was discarded prematurely by the panel post a fractious series in South Africa in 1995-96.

In his own words, he was two distinct characters: ‘the Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who lived for conflict, and Robin Smith, a sensitive, emotional man. The two identities fought for dominance.

His fierce loyalty sometimes caused him problems. In a notable incident saw him defend teammate Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs at a team hotel. After words failed, Smith knocked out the ringleader, a response that broke his own hand leading to a significant layoff.

The Difficult Transition

Moving on from the game post-cricket became a huge struggle. The adrenaline rush gave way to the ordinary pressures of commerce. Businesses involving a travel company eventually failed. Alongside marital difficulties and mounting debts, he descended into alcohol dependency and profound despair.

A move to Australia with his family offered a fresh start but did not solve his core problems. During his darkest hour, he thought about taking his own life, and was only saved from the edge by the intervention of his son and a compassionate neighbour.

He leaves behind his companion, Karin, his two children, and brother Chris.