Remembering The 'Judge', 1963-2025.

In the age before the explosive Twenty20 revolution, arguably nobody hit the cricket ball with more raw power than Robin Smith. Constructed like a boxer yet endowed with the nimble footwork inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, he unleashed strokes – notably his ferocious square cut – with such violence they dented in advertising boards while crushing the morale of opponents.

Smith has passed away following a long period of ill health, existed of profound contradictions. To the public eye, he was the very image of a brave, front-foot player, renowned for memorable contests against express pace. However, beneath this facade of bravado lay a person plagued by self-doubt, a battle he concealed during his playing days that subsequently fuelled struggles against alcoholism and depression.

Unflinching Guts Coupled with a Craving for Adrenaline

His bravery versus fast bowling could never be doubted. The source of this courage, was a complex blend of pure grit and a self-confessed thrill-seeking nature. Many felt he was built differently, actively craving the brutal examination of standing up to thunderbolts, which calls for blistering reactions and an ability to absorb blows.

This trait was never better displayed during his legendary innings of 148 not out playing for England versus the mighty West Indies at Lord's Cricket Ground in 1991. On a tricky surface, as Curtly Ambrose and Malcolm Marshall, Smith not only survived he positively flourished, his eyes reportedly sparkling the brutal exchange of bouncers and boundaries. In retrospect, he said the experience as leaving him “tingling”.

A Notable Test Career

Playing largely at number five or six, Smith represented England across 62 Tests plus 71 limited-overs games between 1988 and 1996. He scored more than four thousand runs in Tests at an average of 43-plus, featuring nine centuries. In the one-day arena, he compiled almost two and a half thousand runs at an average close to 40.

One of his most destructive displays was played in 1993 in Birmingham versus the old enemy, where he smashed 167 ruthless runs. The innings was so powerful that he was reportedly direct praise from the Prime Minister, John Major. Yet, in a cruel twist, the side still failed to win the match.

The 'Judge' and a Complex Legacy

Dubbed ‘Judge’ because of a youthful haircut reminiscent of a court wig, his mean in Test cricket stands as commendable, especially considering he played for a frequently defeated England team. A common view is selectors moved on from him prematurely by the panel following a contentious trip to South Africa in the winter of 95/96.

In his own words, he was a dual personality: ‘The Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who loved a fight, and plain Robin, a vulnerable person. Each persona suppressed the other.

An unshakeable sense of loyalty could also be his downfall. One well-known episode involved him standing up for fellow Hampshire player Malcolm Marshall against racial taunts at a team hotel. When verbal requests were ignored, he floored the main aggressor, a move resulting in a broken hand leading to a significant layoff.

Life After Cricket

The transition to life post-cricket proved exceptionally difficult. The thrill of competition was substituted for the ordinary pressures of business. Businesses involving bat manufacturing eventually failed. Coupled with a strained relationship and serious money troubles, he spiralled into heavy drinking and deep depression.

Emigrating to Western Australia with his family offered a fresh start but couldn't resolve his core problems. During his darkest hour, he thought about taking his own life, and was only saved from the edge by the support of his child and a friend.

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