Cricket Mourns Robin Smith, Aged 62.
Long before the dawn of the frenetic T20 revolution, few could match a cricket ball with greater ferocity as Robin Smith. Constructed with the physique of a fighter yet endowed with the nimble footwork from his mother, a dancer, he unleashed strokes – especially his trademark square cut – with such immense force that they left dents in boundary hoardings and shattered the morale of opponents.
Smith, who has died after a prolonged illness, existed filled with stark contrasts. To the public eye, he appeared the embodiment of fearless, attacking batsmanship, famed for epic duels with the world's fastest bowlers. Yet, behind this show of machismo lay a man constantly questioning his own worth, a conflict he kept hidden throughout his career that subsequently fuelled struggles against alcoholism and depression.
Raw Courage Mixed with a Desire for Adrenaline
His fearlessness against pace could never be doubted. But the driving force, was a complex blend of pure grit and an admitted need for the rush. Many felt he was built differently, actively craving the brutal examination of confronting express bowling, which calls for blistering reactions and an ability to absorb blows.
The ultimate demonstration came during an iconic innings of 148 not out representing his country versus the mighty West Indies at Lord's in 1991. In challenging conditions, against the rampant Curtly Ambrose and Malcolm Marshall, Smith stood firm but counter-attacked with gusto, apparently delighting in the fierce contest of intimidation and strokeplay. He later described the feeling was one of “tingling”.
A Notable International Career
Playing largely at number five or six, Smith represented England over 62 Test matches and 71 ODIs between 1988 and 1996. He accumulated 4,236 Test runs averaging 43-plus, featuring nine hundreds. In the one-day arena, he made almost two and a half thousand runs with an average just under 40.
One of his most destructive displays occurred in 1993 against Australia versus the old enemy, hammering a devastating 167. The innings was so powerful that even the then direct praise from the country's leader. Sadly, a recurring theme, his team ended up losing that contest.
The Moniker and Lasting Contradictions
Known widely as ‘The Judge’ after a wig-like haircut that looked like a judge's wig, Smith's Test average remains highly respectable, not least because he featured during a period of English struggle. Many believe selectors moved on from him too hastily by selectors following a contentious trip to South Africa in the winter of 95/96.
As he later confessed, he existed as two people: ‘Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who lived for conflict, and plain Robin, a vulnerable person. The two identities suppressed the other.
His fierce loyalty occasionally led to trouble. In a notable incident he intervened to protect teammate Malcolm Marshall from racist abuse in Leicester. After words failed, he punched the ringleader, a move that broke his own hand leading to six weeks of cricket.
Life After Cricket
Moving on from the game post-cricket became a huge struggle. The thrill of competition gave way to the ordinary pressures of running companies. Attempts at a travel company ultimately faltered. Alongside marital difficulties and mounting debts, he descended into heavy drinking and profound despair.
Relocating to Perth accompanied by his brother Chris was meant to be a reset but couldn't resolve his underlying issues. At his lowest point, he considered ending his life, only being pulled back from the brink by the intervention of his child and a friend.
Robin Smith is survived by Karin, his partner, his two children, and his brother, Chris.
