Cricket Mourns England Batting Great, Aged 62.
In the age before the high-octane Twenty20 era, no one struck a cricket ball with greater ferocity than Robin Smith. Constructed with the physique of a fighter but possessing the quick feet from his mother, a dancer, he unleashed strokes – the square cut in particular – with such devastating power they could dent in boundary hoardings and shattered the hopes of the opposition.
Smith, who has died after a lengthy battle with poor health, was a man of profound contradictions. Outwardly, he was the very image of fearless, attacking batsmanship, famed for thrilling battles with fearsome quicks. But behind this facade of bravado existed a person plagued by self-doubt, a battle he concealed during his playing days only to later led to struggles against alcoholism and depression.
Raw Courage Coupled with a Craving for the Rush
His courage facing quick bowlers could never be doubted. The motivation, however, involved a combination of pure grit and a self-confessed thrill-seeking nature. He seemed was neurologically unique, seeking out the punishing challenge of facing extreme pace, a situation requiring blistering reactions and an ability to absorb blows.
This trait was never better displayed in his famous innings of 148 not out playing for England facing the Caribbean pace attack at Lord's in 1991. In challenging conditions, facing the furious onslaught of two of the greatest fast bowlers in history, Smith stood firm he positively flourished, relishing the fierce contest of bouncers and boundaries. In retrospect, he said the feeling was one of “tingling”.
An Impressive International Career
Playing largely at number five or six, He earned caps for England in 62 Test matches plus 71 limited-overs games between 1988 and 1996. He amassed 4,236 Test runs with a mean of 43.67, which contained nine centuries. In the one-day arena, he compiled almost two and a half thousand runs averaging close to 40.
A particularly brutal innings occurred in 1993 at Edgbaston facing the Aussies, blasting a brutal 167 runs. It was such a domineering performance that even the then direct praise from the country's leader. Yet, in a cruel twist, England ended up losing that contest.
The 'Judge' and Lasting Contradictions
Dubbed ‘Judge’ after a wig-like haircut reminiscent of a court wig, his batting average in Tests stands as commendable, particularly given he featured during a period of English struggle. A common view is he was discarded somewhat unfairly following a contentious trip to South Africa during the mid-90s.
In his own words, he existed as a dual personality: ‘the Judge’, the arrogant, combative cricketer who loved a fight, and the man himself, a sensitive, emotional man. These two sides fought for dominance.
His fierce loyalty occasionally led to trouble. Most famously saw him defend West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall from racist abuse in a hotel bar. After words failed, Smith knocked out the primary abuser, a response which fractured his hand causing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The Difficult Transition
Moving on from the game outside the dressing room proved exceptionally difficult. The adrenaline rush was replaced by the mundane realities of commerce. Ventures into a travel company ultimately faltered. Alongside a strained relationship and financial woes, he fell victim to addiction and deep depression.
Relocating to Perth accompanied by his brother Chris provided a new beginning but did not solve his personal demons. During his darkest hour, he thought about taking his own life, before being talked back from the edge through the care of his child and a friend.
He leaves behind his companion, Karin, his two children, and elder brother Chris.
