Cricket Mourns Robin Smith, Who Has Died Aged 62.
Long before the dawn of the frenetic T20 revolution, no one struck the leather with greater ferocity than Robin Smith. Shaped with a prizefighter's frame but possessing the quick feet inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, he unleashed strokes – the square cut in particular – with such violence that they left dents in perimeter fencing and shattered the hopes of the opposition.
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, celebrated for epic duels against express pace. However, beneath this facade of bravado was a man constantly questioning his own worth, a battle he masked throughout his career only to later fuelled struggles against alcoholism and depression.
Raw Courage Mixed with a Desire for the Rush
His bravery versus fast bowling could never be doubted. The source of this courage, was a complex blend of innate toughness and a self-confessed thrill-seeking nature. Teammates wondered if he was built differently, positively relishing the masochistic test of facing extreme pace, which calls for instant responses and a high tolerance for pain.
The ultimate demonstration came during an iconic unbeaten 148 playing for England against the West Indies at the Home of Cricket in 1991. On a tricky surface, as a pair of legendary pacemen, Smith not only survived but thrived, his eyes reportedly sparkling the fierce contest of bouncers and boundaries. He admitted afterwards the experience as leaving him “buzzing”.
A Stellar Test Career
Playing largely as a middle-order batsman, Smith represented England over 62 Test matches and 71 ODIs between 1988 and 1996. He amassed more than four thousand runs in Tests averaging 43-plus, featuring nine centuries. In the 50-over format, he compiled 2,419 ODI runs at an average nearing forty.
One of his most destructive displays came in 1993 against Australia against Australia, blasting a devastating 167. The innings was so powerful that even the then commendations from the Prime Minister, John Major. Sadly, a recurring theme, England ended up losing that contest.
The 'Judge' and Lasting Contradictions
Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Judge’ due to an early hairstyle reminiscent of a court wig, his mean in Test cricket stands as commendable, not least because his career spanned for a frequently defeated England team. Many believe he was discarded somewhat unfairly after a difficult tour of South Africa during the mid-90s.
He admitted in his autobiography, he existed as two people: ‘The Judge’, the tough, confrontational competitor who thrived on battle, and Robin Smith, a sensitive, emotional man. The two identities were in constant tension.
An unshakeable sense of loyalty could also be his downfall. One well-known episode saw him defend teammate Malcolm Marshall from racist abuse at a team hotel. Following unsuccessful appeals, Smith knocked out the main aggressor, a move that broke his own hand causing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Life After Cricket
Adapting to a world outside the dressing room became a huge struggle. The buzz of the game was substituted for the ordinary pressures of running companies. Businesses involving bat manufacturing eventually failed. Compounded by marital difficulties and financial woes, he descended into addiction and severe depression.
Relocating to Perth alongside his children provided a new beginning but did not solve his underlying issues. At his lowest point, he considered ending his life, only being pulled back from that decision through the care of family and a neighbour.
He leaves behind his partner, Karin, Harrison and Margaux, and brother Chris.
