Cricket Mourns Robin Smith, Aged 62.

In the age before the high-octane T20 format, few could match the leather with such sheer force than Robin Smith. Shaped with the physique of a fighter yet blessed with the quick feet from his mother, a dancer, his shots were unleashed – especially his trademark square cut – with such violence they dented in boundary hoardings while crushing the hopes of the opposition.

Smith, who has died following a long period of ill health, was a man riddled with paradox. To the public eye, he was the very image of fearless, attacking batsmanship, famed for epic duels with the world's fastest bowlers. But behind this show of machismo existed a man constantly questioning his own worth, a battle he concealed while on the field but which later led to struggles against depression and addiction.

Raw Courage Coupled with a Craving for Adrenaline

His bravery versus fast bowling could never be doubted. But the driving force, was a complex blend of innate toughness and a self-confessed thrill-seeking nature. He seemed was neurologically unique, seeking out the brutal examination of confronting express bowling, a situation requiring blistering reactions and a high tolerance for pain.

This was perfectly illustrated during his legendary unbeaten 148 representing his country versus the mighty West Indies at Lord's in 1991. In challenging conditions, facing the furious onslaught of a pair of legendary pacemen, Smith not only survived but counter-attacked with gusto, apparently delighting in the fierce contest of intimidation and strokeplay. He later described that it left him feeling “tingling”.

A Notable England Tenure

Batting primarily at number five or six, Smith played for England across 62 Tests plus 71 limited-overs games during an eight-year international span. He scored more than four thousand runs in Tests with a mean of 43.67, including nine hundreds. In the 50-over format, he made 2,419 runs at an average just under 40.

A particularly brutal innings came in 1993 at Edgbaston facing the Aussies, blasting 167 ruthless runs. It was such a domineering performance that he was reportedly personally congratulated PM John Major. Yet, in a cruel twist, England ended up losing the game.

The 'Judge' and a Complex Legacy

Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Judge’ due to an early hairstyle resembling a judicial wig, his mean in Test cricket stands as commendable, not least because he featured during a period of English struggle. A common view is he was discarded somewhat unfairly post a fractious series of South Africa in the winter of 95/96.

He admitted in his autobiography, he felt like a dual personality: ‘The Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who thrived on battle, and Robin Smith, a gentle, feeling individual. The two identities were in constant tension.

His fierce loyalty occasionally led to trouble. One well-known episode involved him standing up for fellow Hampshire player Malcolm Marshall from racist abuse at a team hotel. Following unsuccessful appeals, Smith knocked out the ringleader, a move which fractured his hand causing six weeks of cricket.

The Difficult Transition

Adapting to a world after professional sport was immensely challenging. The thrill of competition was replaced by the ordinary pressures of running companies. Attempts at bat manufacturing ultimately faltered. Coupled with marital difficulties and mounting debts, he spiralled into heavy drinking and deep depression.

Relocating to Perth accompanied by his brother Chris offered a fresh start but did not solve his core problems. At his lowest point, he thought about taking his own life, only being pulled back from the brink by the support of his child and a friend.

Robin Smith is survived by Karin, his partner, his two children, and his brother, Chris.