Remembering England Batting Great, Who Has Died Aged 62.

Long before the dawn of the explosive Twenty20 format, arguably nobody hit a cricket ball with such sheer force as Robin Smith. Shaped with the physique of a fighter but possessing the quick feet of his ballet dancer mother, he unleashed strokes – especially his trademark square cut – with such immense force that they left dents in boundary hoardings while crushing the morale of opponents.

The cricketer's death comes after a lengthy battle with poor health, existed filled with stark contrasts. On the surface, he was the very image of courageous, aggressive batting, celebrated for thrilling battles with fearsome quicks. However, beneath this show of machismo lay a deeply insecure individual, a conflict he kept hidden during his playing days but which later fuelled battles with alcoholism and depression.

Sheer Bravery and a Thirst for Adrenaline

His courage facing quick bowlers was utterly authentic. The motivation, however, involved a combination of pure grit and a confessed addiction to adrenaline. He seemed was built differently, positively relishing the brutal examination of facing extreme pace, which demanded lightning reflexes and a willingness to suffer physical punishment.

This trait was never better displayed during an iconic innings of 148 not out playing for England versus the mighty West Indies at Lord's Cricket Ground in 1991. In challenging conditions, against the rampant a pair of legendary pacemen, Smith stood firm but counter-attacked with gusto, his eyes reportedly sparkling the brutal exchange of intimidation and strokeplay. In retrospect, he said the feeling was one of “tingling”.

A Stellar International Career

Featuring mostly in the middle order, Smith played for England across 62 Tests and 71 ODIs between 1988 and 1996. He accumulated more than four thousand runs in Tests averaging 43-plus, featuring nine three-figure scores. In the one-day arena, he compiled 2,419 runs averaging close to 40.

One of his most destructive displays came in 1993 in Birmingham against Australia, hammering 167 ruthless runs. The innings was so powerful he earned personally congratulated the Prime Minister, John Major. Sadly, a recurring theme, England still failed to win the match.

His Nickname and a Troubled Soul

Known widely as ‘the Judge’ due to an early hairstyle reminiscent of a court wig, his mean in Test cricket stands as commendable, particularly given he featured in a losing era. A common view is he was discarded too hastily by selectors post a fractious series to South Africa during the mid-90s.

In his own words, he was two distinct characters: ‘The Judge’, the tough, confrontational competitor 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 he intervened to protect teammate Malcolm Marshall against racial taunts in a hotel bar. After words failed, he floored the ringleader, an act that broke his own hand and cost him a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Difficult Transition

Adapting to a world after professional sport became a huge struggle. The thrill of competition was substituted for the ordinary pressures of business. Businesses involving and a wine bar did not succeed. Compounded by a strained relationship and financial woes, he descended into alcohol dependency and deep depression.

Relocating to Perth accompanied by his brother Chris offered a fresh start but failed to fix his personal demons. During his darkest hour, he thought about taking his own life, before being talked back from the brink by the intervention of family and a neighbour.

His family includes his partner, Karin, his son and daughter, and elder brother Chris.