Tributes Paid to The 'Judge', Aged 62.

In the age before the high-octane T20 era, no one struck the leather with greater ferocity than Robin Smith. Built with a prizefighter's frame but possessing the agile movement of his ballet dancer mother, his shots were unleashed – the square cut in particular – with such violence they could dent in perimeter fencing and shattered bowlers' confidence.

Smith, who has died following a long period of ill health, presented as a figure of profound contradictions. On the surface, he was the very image of a brave, front-foot player, celebrated for thrilling battles against express pace. But behind this mask of confidence lay a deeply insecure individual, a struggle he concealed throughout his career only to later led to battles with addiction and mental health issues.

Unflinching Guts Mixed with a Desire for the Rush

His fearlessness against pace was utterly authentic. But the driving force, involved a combination of innate toughness and a self-confessed addiction to adrenaline. He seemed was built differently, actively craving the brutal examination of confronting express bowling, which demanded instant responses and an ability to absorb blows.

The ultimate demonstration came during his legendary unbeaten 148 for England against the West Indies at Lord's Cricket Ground in 1991. On a tricky surface, as a pair of legendary pacemen, Smith not only survived he positively flourished, his eyes reportedly sparkling the fierce contest of intimidation and strokeplay. In retrospect, he said that it left him feeling “buzzing”.

An Impressive International Career

Batting primarily at number five or six, Smith represented England in 62 Test matches and 71 One-Day Internationals between 1988 and 1996. He accumulated 4,236 Test runs at an average of 43-plus, featuring nine three-figure scores. In the one-day arena, he gathered 2,419 ODI runs averaging close to 40.

A particularly brutal innings occurred in 1993 against Australia versus the old enemy, blasting a brutal 167 runs. The display was so impressive he earned commendations from the country's leader. Yet, in a cruel twist, his team could not secure victory the game.

His Nickname and a Troubled Soul

Known widely as ‘the Judge’ because of a youthful haircut reminiscent of a court wig, his mean in Test cricket was notably impressive, particularly given he played for a frequently defeated England team. Many believe his international career was ended somewhat unfairly following a contentious trip in South Africa during the mid-90s.

In his own words, he felt like two people: ‘the Judge’, the arrogant, combative cricketer who loved a fight, and Robin Smith, a gentle, feeling individual. Each persona were in constant tension.

His staunch allegiance occasionally led to trouble. Most famously involved him standing up for West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall against racial taunts at a team hotel. When verbal requests were ignored, he punched the ringleader, a move resulting in a broken hand causing a significant layoff.

Life After Cricket

Moving on from the game outside the dressing room was immensely challenging. The adrenaline rush was substituted for the ordinary pressures of business. Ventures into and a wine bar eventually failed. Compounded by marital difficulties and financial woes, he spiralled into addiction and profound despair.

Emigrating to Western Australia alongside his children provided a new beginning but did not solve his core problems. During his darkest hour, he thought about taking his own life, and was only saved from the edge by the intervention of his son and a compassionate neighbour.

Robin Smith is survived by his companion, Karin, his two children, and his brother, Chris.