Tributes Paid to Robin Smith, Aged 62.
During the period preceding the explosive T20 era, arguably nobody hit the cricket ball with greater ferocity than Robin Smith. Shaped like a boxer but possessing the quick feet from his mother, a dancer, his shots were unleashed – especially his trademark square cut – with such violence they dented in perimeter fencing and shattered the morale of opponents.
The cricketer's death comes after a lengthy battle with poor health, existed riddled with paradox. To the public eye, he was the very image of fearless, attacking batsmanship, famed for memorable contests against express pace. Yet, behind this mask of confidence lay a deeply insecure individual, a battle he masked while on the field only to later contributed to problems of addiction and mental health issues.
Raw Courage Mixed with a Desire for Adrenaline
His courage facing quick bowlers was utterly authentic. The motivation, however, was a complex blend of innate toughness and an admitted thrill-seeking nature. He seemed wired differently, positively relishing the masochistic test of standing up to thunderbolts, a situation requiring instant responses and an ability to absorb blows.
This trait was never better displayed in his famous unbeaten 148 representing his country versus the mighty West Indies at Lord's Cricket Ground in 1991. On a tricky surface, facing the furious onslaught of a pair of legendary pacemen, Smith stood firm he positively flourished, his eyes reportedly sparkling the brutal exchange of short balls and fours. He later described the experience as leaving him “buzzing”.
A Notable England Tenure
Featuring mostly at number five or six, Smith played for England over 62 Test matches and 71 ODIs during an eight-year international span. He scored more than four thousand runs in Tests with a mean of 43-plus, featuring nine three-figure scores. In the one-day arena, he gathered 2,419 runs averaging close to 40.
Perhaps his most ferocious knock occurred in 1993 against Australia versus the old enemy, 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 the game.
The Moniker and a Troubled Soul
Affectionately nicknamed ‘the Judge’ due to an early hairstyle that looked like a judge's wig, Smith's Test average stands as commendable, especially considering his career spanned for a frequently defeated England team. It is widely felt he was discarded somewhat unfairly post a fractious series in South Africa during the mid-90s.
In his own words, he existed as two distinct characters: ‘the Judge’, the tough, confrontational competitor who thrived on battle, and plain Robin, a gentle, feeling individual. Each persona fought for dominance.
His fierce loyalty could also be his downfall. Most famously saw him defend West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs in a hotel bar. When verbal requests were ignored, he punched the ringleader, an act which fractured his hand and cost him a significant layoff.
Struggles in Retirement
Moving on from the game outside the dressing room proved exceptionally difficult. The thrill of competition was substituted for the routine demands of running companies. Attempts at a travel company ultimately faltered. Compounded by problems in his marriage and financial woes, he descended into addiction and profound despair.
Emigrating to Western Australia alongside his children 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 edge through the care of his child and a friend.
Robin Smith is survived by his partner, Karin, his two children, and elder brother Chris.
