Long before the dawn of the explosive Twenty20 format, no one struck the cricket ball with greater ferocity as Robin Smith. Built like a boxer but possessing the quick feet inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, he produced shots – especially his trademark square cut – with such immense force that they left dents in boundary hoardings while crushing bowlers' confidence.
The cricketer's death comes following a long period of ill health, was a man of profound contradictions. On the surface, he was the epitome of courageous, aggressive batting, celebrated for thrilling battles with the world's fastest bowlers. However, beneath this facade of bravado lay a deeply insecure individual, a struggle he masked throughout his career that subsequently contributed to problems of depression and addiction.
Raw Courage and a Thirst for Danger
His fearlessness against pace could never be doubted. But the driving force, was a curious mix of innate toughness and a confessed thrill-seeking nature. He seemed wired differently, seeking out the brutal examination of confronting express bowling, a situation requiring blistering reactions and an ability to absorb blows.
This was perfectly illustrated during an iconic innings of 148 not out playing for England versus the mighty West Indies at Lord's Cricket Ground in 1991. On a difficult pitch, facing the furious onslaught of two of the greatest fast bowlers in history, Smith stood firm but thrived, his eyes reportedly sparkling the brutal exchange of short balls and fours. He admitted afterwards the feeling was one of “tingling”.
A Stellar International Career
Batting primarily as a middle-order batsman, He earned caps for England in 62 Test matches plus 71 limited-overs games between 1988 and 1996. He amassed over four thousand Test runs with a mean of 43.67, including nine three-figure scores. In the one-day arena, he gathered almost two and a half thousand runs with an average close to 40.
One of his most destructive displays was played in 1993 at Edgbaston against Australia, blasting a brutal 167 runs. It was such a domineering performance that even the then commendations from the Prime Minister, John Major. Sadly, a recurring theme, the side ended up losing the match.
The 'Judge' and Lasting Contradictions
Known widely as ‘the Judge’ after a wig-like haircut that looked like a judge's wig, his batting average in Tests stands as commendable, especially considering he played for a frequently defeated England team. It is widely felt his international career was ended somewhat unfairly following a contentious trip of South Africa in 1995-96.
As he later confessed, he felt like two distinct characters: ‘Judge’, the arrogant, combative cricketer who loved a fight, and plain Robin, a vulnerable person. The two identities fought for dominance.
His fierce loyalty occasionally led to trouble. Most famously involved him standing up for teammate Malcolm Marshall against racial taunts at a team hotel. Following unsuccessful appeals, Smith knocked out the ringleader, an act which fractured his hand causing a significant layoff.
Life After Cricket
The transition to life after professional sport was immensely challenging. The adrenaline rush gave way to the routine demands of running companies. Businesses involving and a wine bar ultimately faltered. Alongside a strained relationship and serious money troubles, he descended into addiction and deep depression.
A move to Australia alongside his children provided a new beginning but did not solve his underlying issues. In a moment of deep crisis, he considered ending his life, only being pulled back from that decision by the intervention of his son and a compassionate neighbour.
Robin Smith is survived by his partner, Karin, his son and daughter, and brother Chris.
