Tributes Paid to Robin Smith, Who Has Died Aged 62.

During the period preceding the high-octane Twenty20 revolution, few could match a cricket ball with more raw power than Robin Smith. Built with the physique of a fighter but possessing the quick feet inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, he produced shots – notably his ferocious square cut – with such violence they could dent in advertising boards and deflated the hopes of the opposition.

Smith, who has died following a long period of ill health, existed filled with stark contrasts. On the surface, he was the epitome of a brave, front-foot player, celebrated for memorable contests against express pace. But behind this show of machismo existed a man constantly questioning his own worth, a battle he masked while on the field but which later led to problems of depression and addiction.

Unflinching Guts Mixed with a Desire for Danger

His courage facing quick bowlers was utterly authentic. But the driving force, was a curious mix of pure grit and a self-confessed thrill-seeking nature. Many felt he was neurologically unique, actively craving the punishing challenge of confronting express bowling, which demanded instant responses and an ability to absorb blows.

The ultimate demonstration came during his legendary unbeaten 148 representing his country versus the mighty West Indies at Lord's Cricket Ground in 1991. On a difficult pitch, as a pair of legendary pacemen, Smith stood firm but thrived, his eyes reportedly sparkling the physical duel of intimidation and strokeplay. He later described that it left him feeling “electrified”.

An Impressive International Career

Featuring mostly at number five or six, Smith played for England in 62 Test matches plus 71 limited-overs games from the late 80s to the mid-90s. He accumulated more than four thousand runs in Tests averaging 43-plus, featuring nine centuries. In the one-day arena, he compiled almost two and a half thousand runs with an average nearing forty.

One of his most destructive displays was played in 1993 at Edgbaston against Australia, blasting a devastating 167. The display was so impressive that even the then personally congratulated the country's leader. Yet, in a cruel twist, his team could not secure victory the game.

The Moniker and a Complex Legacy

Known widely as ‘Judge’ after a wig-like haircut resembling a judicial wig, Smith's Test average was notably impressive, especially considering he featured in a losing era. Many believe he was discarded somewhat unfairly following a contentious trip to South Africa in 1995-96.

As he later confessed, he was a dual personality: ‘Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who thrived on battle, and the man himself, a sensitive, emotional man. Each persona suppressed the other.

An unshakeable sense of loyalty sometimes caused him problems. One well-known episode saw him defend teammate Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs in a hotel bar. When verbal requests were ignored, he floored the primary abuser, a response which fractured his hand causing a significant layoff.

Struggles in Retirement

The transition to life outside the dressing room proved exceptionally difficult. The buzz of the game was substituted for the ordinary pressures of running companies. Attempts at and a wine bar did not succeed. Alongside marital difficulties and financial woes, he descended into alcohol dependency and profound despair.

Relocating to Perth with his family provided a new beginning but failed to fix his core problems. At his lowest point, he contemplated suicide, and was only saved from the edge by the support of his son and a compassionate neighbour.

He leaves behind his partner, Karin, his son and daughter, and brother Chris.