Remembering The 'Judge', 1963-2025.
During the period preceding the explosive Twenty20 revolution, few could match a cricket ball with such sheer force as Robin Smith. Shaped with the physique of a fighter yet endowed with the quick feet of his ballet dancer mother, he unleashed strokes – the square cut in particular – with such violence that they left dents in perimeter fencing and shattered the morale of opponents.
The cricketer's death comes after a prolonged illness, was a man of profound contradictions. To the public eye, he appeared the embodiment of courageous, aggressive batting, celebrated for thrilling battles with the world's fastest bowlers. However, beneath this facade of bravado lay a man constantly questioning his own worth, a battle he kept hidden during his playing days but which later contributed to battles with depression and addiction.
Sheer Bravery Coupled with a Craving for Danger
His bravery versus fast bowling could never be doubted. But the driving force, involved a combination of innate toughness and an admitted thrill-seeking nature. Teammates wondered if he was built differently, seeking out the punishing challenge of confronting express bowling, which demanded lightning reflexes and an ability to absorb blows.
The ultimate demonstration came during his legendary undefeated knock of 148 representing his country versus the mighty West Indies at Lord's in 1991. On a tricky surface, against the rampant two of the greatest fast bowlers in history, Smith not only survived but thrived, his eyes reportedly sparkling the fierce contest of short balls and fours. He admitted afterwards that it left him feeling “electrified”.
An Impressive Test Career
Featuring mostly at number five or six, Smith represented England across 62 Tests and 71 One-Day Internationals during an eight-year international span. He scored more than four thousand runs in Tests with a mean of 43-plus, featuring nine hundreds. In ODI cricket, he compiled almost two and a half thousand runs with an average just under 40.
Perhaps his most ferocious knock occurred in 1993 at Edgbaston against Australia, blasting 167 ruthless runs. The innings was so powerful that even the then commendations from the country's leader. Yet, in a cruel twist, his team could not secure victory that contest.
The Moniker and a Troubled Soul
Dubbed ‘the Judge’ because of a youthful haircut resembling a judicial wig, his mean in Test cricket remains highly respectable, not least because his career spanned in a losing era. Many believe selectors moved on from him prematurely by the panel after a difficult tour to South Africa in 1995-96.
He admitted in his autobiography, he was two distinct characters: ‘Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who loved a fight, and plain Robin, a gentle, feeling individual. The two identities fought for dominance.
His fierce loyalty occasionally led to trouble. In a notable incident he intervened to protect fellow Hampshire player Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs at a team hotel. When verbal requests were ignored, he punched the main aggressor, an act resulting in a broken hand and cost him a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Struggles in Retirement
Adapting to a world after professional sport became a huge struggle. The adrenaline rush was replaced by the routine demands of commerce. Businesses involving a travel company ultimately faltered. Alongside marital difficulties and serious money troubles, he descended into addiction and profound despair.
A move to Australia alongside his children was meant to be a reset but failed to fix his underlying issues. During his darkest hour, he considered ending his life, and was only saved from that decision through the care of his son and a compassionate neighbour.
Robin Smith is survived by his partner, Karin, Harrison and Margaux, and his brother, Chris.
