Remembering Robin Smith, Aged 62.
In the age before the frenetic Twenty20 format, few could match the leather with greater ferocity as Robin Smith. Constructed like a boxer but possessing the nimble footwork inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, he produced shots – the square cut in particular – with such violence they dented in advertising boards while crushing bowlers' confidence.
Smith, who has died after a lengthy battle with poor health, existed of profound contradictions. On the surface, he appeared the embodiment of a brave, front-foot player, celebrated for memorable contests with fearsome quicks. However, beneath this facade of bravado lay a deeply insecure individual, a struggle he concealed during his playing days but which later fuelled battles with depression and addiction.
Raw Courage Coupled with a Craving for Danger
His bravery versus fast bowling could never be doubted. But the driving force, was a curious mix of pure grit and a confessed addiction to adrenaline. Teammates wondered if he was built differently, positively relishing the masochistic test of standing up to thunderbolts, which demanded lightning reflexes and a high tolerance for pain.
The ultimate demonstration came in his famous unbeaten 148 for England versus the mighty West Indies at Lord's Cricket Ground in 1991. In challenging conditions, against the rampant two of the greatest fast bowlers in history, Smith not only survived he positively flourished, relishing the physical duel of intimidation and strokeplay. He admitted afterwards the feeling was one of “electrified”.
A Notable International Career
Batting primarily at number five or six, He earned caps for England across 62 Tests and 71 One-Day Internationals between 1988 and 1996. He scored 4,236 Test runs with a mean of 43-plus, featuring nine centuries. In the 50-over format, he compiled 2,419 ODI runs at an average nearing forty.
One of his most destructive displays was played in 1993 in Birmingham against Australia, blasting a devastating 167. The display was so impressive that even the then personally congratulated the Prime Minister, John Major. However, in a frustrating pattern, his team could not secure victory the game.
The Moniker and Lasting Contradictions
Known widely as ‘The Judge’ due to an early hairstyle resembling a judicial wig, his batting average in Tests was notably impressive, not least because he featured in a losing era. A common view is he was discarded prematurely by the panel after a difficult tour 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 lived for conflict, and plain Robin, a gentle, feeling individual. Each persona were in constant tension.
His staunch allegiance sometimes caused him problems. In a notable incident involved him standing up for teammate Malcolm Marshall against racial taunts in a hotel bar. Following unsuccessful appeals, he floored the main aggressor, an act that broke his own hand and cost him a significant layoff.
The Difficult Transition
The transition to life after professional sport became a huge struggle. The adrenaline rush was substituted for the ordinary pressures of running companies. Businesses involving a travel company eventually failed. Coupled with marital difficulties and mounting debts, he descended into addiction and profound despair.
A move to Australia accompanied by his brother Chris was meant to be a reset but couldn't resolve his underlying issues. During his darkest hour, he contemplated suicide, before being talked back from the brink through the care of family and a neighbour.
Robin Smith is survived by his companion, Karin, his son and daughter, and elder brother Chris.