Cricket Mourns Robin Smith, Who Has Died Aged 62.

Long before the dawn of the explosive T20 format, few could match the cricket ball with greater ferocity than Robin Smith. Built with a prizefighter's frame yet blessed with the agile movement inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, he produced shots – notably his ferocious square cut – with such immense force they dented in advertising boards and shattered the hopes of the opposition.

Smith, who has died following a long period of ill health, was a man riddled with paradox. Outwardly, he appeared the embodiment of a brave, front-foot player, renowned for epic duels with the world's fastest bowlers. Yet, behind this facade of bravado lay a man constantly questioning his own worth, a struggle he concealed throughout his career only to later contributed to problems of alcoholism and depression.

Unflinching Guts Coupled with a Craving for the Rush

His courage facing quick bowlers was unquestionably genuine. The source of this courage, involved a combination of pure grit and a self-confessed thrill-seeking nature. Many felt he was neurologically unique, positively relishing the punishing challenge of facing extreme pace, a situation requiring instant responses and an ability to absorb blows.

The ultimate demonstration came in his famous unbeaten 148 representing his country against the West Indies at Lord's Cricket Ground in 1991. On a tricky surface, against the rampant a pair of legendary pacemen, he did not merely endure but counter-attacked with gusto, relishing the fierce contest of intimidation and strokeplay. In retrospect, he said that it left him feeling “buzzing”.

An Impressive Test Career

Batting primarily in the middle order, Smith played for England across 62 Tests and 71 One-Day Internationals during an eight-year international span. He accumulated 4,236 Test runs at an average of 43-plus, featuring nine centuries. In ODI cricket, he compiled 2,419 ODI runs at an average nearing forty.

Perhaps his most ferocious knock occurred in 1993 in Birmingham facing the Aussies, where he smashed a brutal 167 runs. It was such a domineering performance he earned direct praise from the country's leader. However, in a frustrating pattern, his team could not secure victory the game.

His Nickname and Lasting Contradictions

Known widely as ‘Judge’ because of a youthful haircut resembling a judicial wig, his batting average in Tests was notably impressive, not least because he played during a period of English struggle. It is widely felt his international career was ended somewhat unfairly post a fractious series to South Africa in 1995-96.

In his own words, he felt like two people: ‘the Judge’, the tough, confrontational competitor who lived for conflict, and Robin Smith, a sensitive, emotional man. The two identities fought for dominance.

An unshakeable sense of loyalty could also be his downfall. Most famously involved him standing up for West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs in a hotel bar. When verbal requests were ignored, he floored the ringleader, a response that broke his own hand and cost him a significant layoff.

The Difficult Transition

Moving on from the game post-cricket proved exceptionally difficult. The adrenaline rush was substituted for the ordinary pressures of commerce. Businesses involving and a wine bar eventually failed. Compounded by problems in his marriage and mounting debts, he spiralled into addiction and profound despair.

Relocating to Perth accompanied by his brother Chris was meant to be a reset but couldn't resolve his underlying issues. During his darkest hour, he considered ending his life, before being talked back from that decision by the intervention of family and a neighbour.

He leaves behind his partner, Karin, his two children, and brother Chris.