The cricketing world is mourning the loss of Robin Smith, the former England and Hampshire batter renowned for his fearless and powerful strokeplay, who has died at the age of 62 after a period of ill health.
A Fearless Competitor on the Field
Known universally by his nickname 'The Judge', earned from an early hairstyle resembling a judicial wig, Smith was celebrated as one of the hardest hitters of the cricket ball in the pre-Twenty20 era. Muscular and quick-footed, he played with a bravery that made him a formidable opponent, particularly against fast bowling. His signature square cut was a shot of such ferocity it regularly dented boundary boards.
Smith represented England in 62 Test matches and 71 one-day internationals between 1988 and 1996. He scored 4,236 Test runs at an impressive average of 43.67, including nine centuries, during a period when England struggled for consistency. His one-day record was equally strong, with 2,419 runs at an average just under 40.
Highs, Lows, and a Complex Character
His career was defined by moments of brilliant, adrenaline-fuelled defiance. In 1991, he played what many consider his finest Test innings: an unbeaten 148 against a rampant West Indies attack featuring Curtly Ambrose and Malcolm Marshall at Lord's. Another iconic performance came in 1993 at Edgbaston, where his brutal 167 against Australia in a one-day international earned personal congratulations from Prime Minister John Major.
Yet behind the tough, competitive exterior of 'The Judge' was a more vulnerable man. Smith later revealed he was a mass of contradictions, describing himself as two people: the arrogant, conflict-loving competitor and the gentle, emotional Robin Smith. This inner turmoil contributed to struggles with alcoholism and depression after his playing career ended.
His loyalty was legendary, sometimes to his own detriment. In one notable incident, he broke his hand after punching a man who was racially abusing his Hampshire and West Indies teammate, Malcolm Marshall, in a hotel bar, causing a six-week absence from the game.
A Life and Career in Detail
Born in Durban, South Africa, on 13 September 1963, Smith and his elder brother Chris learned cricket through relentless early-morning practice sessions. Both played for Natal before moving to Hampshire, initially as overseas players before qualifying for England through their British-born parents.
Smith remained fiercely loyal to Hampshire, playing for the county from 1982 until 2003, serving as captain for five seasons from 1998. He scored 18,984 first-class runs for the club at an average of 42.02, with 49 hundreds, leading former captain Mark Nicholas to call him Hampshire's greatest ever player.
His international career ended after a fractious tour of South Africa in 1995-96, a decision many felt was premature despite critics pointing to a perceived weakness against spin bowling.
Life after cricket proved difficult. Business ventures, including a travel company, a bat manufacturer, and a wine bar in Romsey, faltered. A failed property deal left him in debt, prompting a move to Perth, Australia, in 2007. His 1988 marriage to Kath James ended in divorce in 2010. He later credited his son, Harrison, and a neighbour, Karin Lwin, with helping him through a profound depressive episode where he contemplated taking his own life.
Robin Smith is survived by Karin, his two children Harrison and Margaux, and his brother Chris. The passing of 'The Judge' marks the end for one of English cricket's most courageously entertaining batters.
