Tributes Paid to The 'Judge', 1963-2025.
During the period preceding the explosive T20 format, no one struck a cricket ball with such sheer force as Robin Smith. Built like a boxer yet endowed with the nimble footwork inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, he unleashed strokes – the square cut in particular – with such immense force they could dent in perimeter fencing and deflated the morale of opponents.
Smith has passed away after a lengthy battle with poor health, existed riddled with paradox. To the public eye, he was the epitome of courageous, aggressive batting, renowned for epic duels against express pace. But behind this facade of bravado existed a person plagued by self-doubt, a battle he concealed while on the field but which later led to battles with depression and addiction.
Unflinching Guts and a Thirst for Adrenaline
His courage facing quick bowlers was utterly authentic. The source of this courage, involved a combination of pure grit and a self-confessed thrill-seeking nature. He seemed was built differently, positively relishing the brutal examination of standing up to thunderbolts, which demanded lightning reflexes and an ability to absorb blows.
This trait was never better displayed during an iconic innings of 148 not out representing his country facing the Caribbean pace attack at Lord's Cricket Ground in 1991. In challenging conditions, as Curtly Ambrose and Malcolm Marshall, Smith not only survived but thrived, apparently delighting in the brutal exchange of intimidation and strokeplay. In retrospect, he said the experience as leaving him “tingling”.
A Stellar International Career
Playing largely as a middle-order batsman, Smith played for England across 62 Tests and 71 ODIs during an eight-year international span. He amassed more than four thousand runs in Tests averaging 43-plus, featuring nine hundreds. In the 50-over format, he gathered almost two and a half thousand runs at an average just under 40.
One of his most destructive displays was played in 1993 against Australia facing the Aussies, hammering 167 ruthless runs. The innings was so powerful he earned commendations from the Prime Minister, John Major. However, in a frustrating pattern, his team ended up losing the game.
The 'Judge' and Lasting Contradictions
Known widely as ‘The Judge’ due to an early hairstyle that looked like a judge's wig, Smith's Test average remains highly respectable, not least because he played in a losing era. A common view is he was discarded prematurely by the panel after a difficult tour in South Africa during the mid-90s.
He admitted in his autobiography, he existed as two distinct characters: ‘The Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who loved a fight, and Robin Smith, a sensitive, emotional man. The two identities fought for dominance.
An unshakeable sense of loyalty sometimes caused him problems. In a notable incident involved him standing up for West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs at a team hotel. When verbal requests were ignored, he floored the ringleader, a response that broke his own hand causing six weeks of cricket.
Struggles in Retirement
Moving on from the game after professional sport became a huge struggle. The buzz of the game gave way to the mundane realities of commerce. Ventures into and a wine bar did not succeed. Coupled with problems in his marriage and serious money troubles, he fell victim to addiction and deep depression.
Relocating to Perth with his family provided a new beginning but failed to fix his personal demons. During his darkest hour, he considered ending his life, only being pulled back from the brink by the intervention of his son and a compassionate neighbour.
He leaves behind his partner, Karin, his son and daughter, and elder brother Chris.
