Remembering Robin Smith, Who Has Died Aged 62.

Long before the dawn of the frenetic Twenty20 format, no one struck a cricket ball with such sheer force as Robin Smith. Built with the physique of a fighter yet blessed with the nimble footwork from his mother, a dancer, he produced shots – the square cut in particular – with such immense force they could dent in boundary hoardings and shattered the morale of opponents.

The cricketer's death comes after a lengthy battle with poor health, existed filled with stark contrasts. Outwardly, he was the epitome of fearless, attacking batsmanship, famed for thrilling battles with fearsome quicks. However, beneath this show of machismo existed a person plagued by self-doubt, a conflict he concealed throughout his career that subsequently fuelled problems of addiction and mental health issues.

Raw Courage Coupled with a Craving for the Rush

His fearlessness against pace was unquestionably genuine. The motivation, however, involved a combination of innate toughness and an admitted need for the rush. Many felt he was neurologically unique, actively craving the punishing challenge of facing extreme pace, a situation requiring blistering reactions and a willingness to suffer physical punishment.

This trait was never better displayed during his legendary undefeated knock of 148 for England against the West Indies at Lord's in 1991. In challenging conditions, as a pair of legendary pacemen, Smith not only survived but counter-attacked with gusto, his eyes reportedly sparkling the brutal exchange of intimidation and strokeplay. In retrospect, he said the experience as leaving him “electrified”.

A Notable England Tenure

Batting primarily as a middle-order batsman, Smith played for England in 62 Test matches and 71 One-Day Internationals during an eight-year international span. He scored 4,236 Test runs averaging 43.67, which contained nine hundreds. In the 50-over format, he made 2,419 runs with an average nearing forty.

One of his most destructive displays was played in 1993 at Edgbaston versus the old enemy, where he smashed a brutal 167 runs. It was such a domineering performance that even the then personally congratulated the country's leader. However, in a frustrating pattern, England ended up losing that contest.

The Moniker and Lasting Contradictions

Known widely as ‘The Judge’ due to an early hairstyle resembling a judicial wig, Smith's Test average stands as commendable, particularly given he featured in a losing era. Many believe he was discarded prematurely by the panel post a fractious series to South Africa in the winter of 95/96.

He admitted in his autobiography, he existed as two people: ‘The Judge’, the arrogant, combative cricketer who thrived on battle, and the man himself, a sensitive, emotional man. Each persona fought for dominance.

His staunch allegiance could also be his downfall. In a notable incident involved him standing up for fellow Hampshire player Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs at a team hotel. When verbal requests were ignored, he punched the main aggressor, a move that broke his own hand and cost him a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Struggles in Retirement

Adapting to a world outside the dressing room proved exceptionally difficult. The adrenaline rush was replaced by the ordinary pressures of running companies. Businesses involving and a wine bar did not succeed. Compounded by a strained relationship and mounting debts, he fell victim to heavy drinking and profound despair.

Relocating to Perth alongside his children was meant to be a reset but did not solve his underlying issues. During his darkest hour, he considered ending his life, before being talked back from the edge by the intervention of his son and a compassionate neighbour.

His family includes Karin, his partner, his son and daughter, and his brother, Chris.