The cricketing world is in mourning following the passing of former England batter Robin Smith. The 62-year-old, affectionately known as 'The Judge', died in Perth on Tuesday. The sad news was first announced by his former Hampshire teammate, Kevan James, during a broadcast on BBC Radio Solent, where James works as a sports presenter.
A Fearless Batting Stalwart for England
Robin Smith carved a reputation as one of England's most courageous batsmen during a challenging era. Representing his country in 68 Test matches between 1988 and 1996, he amassed 4,236 runs at a formidable average of 43.67. His Test career included 9 centuries and 28 half-centuries, with a top score of 175. In One Day Internationals, Smith played 71 matches, scoring 2,419 runs at an average of 39.01, which included 4 hundreds and 15 fifties.
Kevan James paid a heartfelt tribute, highlighting Smith's unique quality. "He was England's best batter in the 80s and 90s," James said. "He was a super player, particularly of fast bowling in an era where the West Indies had all these fast bowlers. He was one of the few England batters who stood up to them and basically gave as good as he got."
A Prolific First-Class Career with Hampshire
Smith's domestic career was entirely dedicated to Hampshire in the English county circuit. He was a prolific run-scorer in the first-class format, playing 426 matches for the county and scoring 26,155 runs, which included 61 centuries. In List A cricket, he featured in 443 matches, accumulating 14,927 runs at an average of 41.12, with 27 hundreds to his name. His aggressive, front-foot style made him a fan favourite and a formidable opponent.
Opening Up About Post-Retirement Challenges
In a candid and wide-ranging interview with The Indian Express last year, Smith had bravely revealed the profound mental health and personal struggles he faced after his playing days ended. He spoke openly about dark periods where he had visualised ending his own life.
"I had even planned how it would all end. Check into a hotel, take a cocktail of drinks and pills, have a smoke, and leap off the balcony," he had disclosed. Smith also talked about his battles with alcohol and the loneliness he experienced, especially after stopping work to care for his ailing father.
"I was too idle, and went drinking again," he admitted. "You would think here I am, having written a book about all that, opened my soul to the world, and would be more intelligent about the dangers. But that's how it goes... I was gripped again." His honesty brought to light the often-hidden challenges sportspeople face after retirement.
The news of his passing has sent waves of grief through the global cricket community, with many remembering him not just for his defiant batting against the world's best pace attacks, but also for his courage in speaking out about his vulnerabilities later in life.
