Remembering The 'Judge', Who Has Died Aged 62.
In the age before the frenetic Twenty20 format, few could match the cricket ball with such sheer force as Robin Smith. Constructed like a boxer yet endowed with the nimble footwork inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, he unleashed strokes – notably his ferocious square cut – with such immense force they dented in perimeter fencing and shattered the hopes of the opposition.
Smith, who has died after a prolonged illness, was a man filled with stark contrasts. On the surface, he was the epitome of fearless, attacking batsmanship, celebrated for thrilling battles with fearsome quicks. However, beneath this facade of bravado was a man constantly questioning his own worth, a battle he concealed throughout his career that subsequently led to battles with alcoholism and depression.
Sheer Bravery Coupled with a Craving for the Rush
His bravery versus fast bowling could never be doubted. The motivation, however, involved a combination of pure grit and a confessed need for the rush. Many felt he wired differently, positively relishing the punishing challenge of confronting express bowling, a situation requiring instant responses and a willingness to suffer physical punishment.
This was perfectly illustrated during an iconic unbeaten 148 playing for England against the West Indies at the Home of Cricket in 1991. On a tricky surface, as two of the greatest fast bowlers in history, Smith not only survived but thrived, apparently delighting in the brutal exchange of bouncers and boundaries. In retrospect, he said the feeling was one of “buzzing”.
A Stellar England Tenure
Playing largely in the middle order, He earned caps for England over 62 Test matches plus 71 limited-overs games from the late 80s to the mid-90s. He scored over four thousand Test runs averaging 43.67, including nine centuries. In ODI cricket, he gathered 2,419 ODI runs at an average just under 40.
A particularly brutal innings came in 1993 in Birmingham versus the old enemy, where he smashed a brutal 167 runs. The innings was so powerful that even the then personally congratulated the country's leader. Yet, in a cruel twist, his team ended up losing that contest.
The 'Judge' and a Complex Legacy
Known widely as ‘the Judge’ because of a youthful haircut resembling a judicial wig, Smith's Test average was notably impressive, not least because his career spanned for a frequently defeated England team. A common view is selectors moved on from him somewhat unfairly after a difficult tour to South Africa during the mid-90s.
In his own words, he was two distinct characters: ‘Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who lived for conflict, and the man himself, a vulnerable person. Each persona fought for dominance.
An unshakeable sense of loyalty occasionally led to trouble. In a notable incident he intervened to protect fellow Hampshire player Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs in Leicester. After words failed, he floored the ringleader, a move that broke his own hand causing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Life After Cricket
The transition to life after professional sport was immensely challenging. The buzz of the game was substituted for the routine demands of commerce. Ventures into and a wine bar did not succeed. Compounded by problems in his marriage and financial woes, he descended into alcohol dependency and deep depression.
Relocating to Perth alongside his children was meant to be a reset but failed to fix his personal demons. During his darkest hour, he contemplated suicide, before being talked back from that decision through the care of his child and a friend.
His family includes his partner, Karin, Harrison and Margaux, and brother Chris.