🔗 Share this article Remembering The 'Judge', Aged 62. Long before the dawn of the frenetic Twenty20 era, no one struck the leather with more raw power than Robin Smith. Built with a prizefighter's frame yet blessed with the quick feet inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, he unleashed strokes – the square cut in particular – with such violence they dented in perimeter fencing while crushing the hopes of the opposition. Smith, who has died after a prolonged illness, existed filled with stark contrasts. To the public eye, he was the epitome of fearless, attacking batsmanship, celebrated for thrilling battles against express pace. However, beneath this show of machismo was a person plagued by self-doubt, a conflict he concealed while on the field that subsequently contributed to struggles against addiction and mental health issues. Unflinching Guts Mixed with a Desire for Adrenaline His bravery versus fast bowling was unquestionably genuine. The motivation, however, was a complex blend of pure grit and an admitted need for the rush. He seemed was neurologically unique, seeking out the masochistic test of standing up to thunderbolts, which demanded lightning reflexes and a willingness to suffer physical punishment. This trait was never better displayed during his legendary undefeated knock of 148 representing his country versus the mighty West Indies at the Home of Cricket in 1991. On a tricky surface, facing the furious onslaught of two of the greatest fast bowlers in history, Smith stood firm but counter-attacked with gusto, his eyes reportedly sparkling the brutal exchange of bouncers and boundaries. He later described that it left him feeling “buzzing”. A Stellar England Tenure Featuring mostly at number five or six, He earned caps for England in 62 Test matches and 71 ODIs between 1988 and 1996. He accumulated 4,236 Test runs at an average of 43.67, which contained nine three-figure scores. In the one-day arena, he made 2,419 runs with an average just under 40. A particularly brutal innings occurred in 1993 in Birmingham against Australia, where he smashed a devastating 167. It was such a domineering performance that he was reportedly commendations from the Prime Minister, John Major. Sadly, a recurring theme, his team still failed to win that contest. The Moniker and a Complex Legacy Affectionately nicknamed ‘Judge’ after a wig-like haircut resembling a judicial wig, his mean in Test cricket was notably impressive, especially considering his career spanned in a losing era. Many believe he was discarded somewhat unfairly post a fractious series of South Africa in 1995-96. As he later confessed, he existed as two people: ‘the Judge’, the tough, confrontational competitor who lived for conflict, and Robin Smith, a gentle, feeling individual. The two identities suppressed the other. His fierce loyalty occasionally led to trouble. In a notable incident involved him standing up for West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall from racist abuse at a team hotel. After words failed, he floored the ringleader, a move which fractured his hand and cost him six weeks of cricket. Life After Cricket Adapting to a world outside the dressing room proved exceptionally difficult. The thrill of competition was replaced by the mundane realities of running companies. Businesses involving a travel company ultimately faltered. Coupled with a strained relationship and serious money troubles, he descended into addiction and severe depression. A move to Australia accompanied by his brother Chris offered a fresh start but did not solve his core problems. At his lowest point, he considered ending his life, and was only saved from that decision by the intervention of family and a neighbour. His family includes Karin, his partner, his son and daughter, and brother Chris.
Long before the dawn of the frenetic Twenty20 era, no one struck the leather with more raw power than Robin Smith. Built with a prizefighter's frame yet blessed with the quick feet inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, he unleashed strokes – the square cut in particular – with such violence they dented in perimeter fencing while crushing the hopes of the opposition. Smith, who has died after a prolonged illness, existed filled with stark contrasts. To the public eye, he was the epitome of fearless, attacking batsmanship, celebrated for thrilling battles against express pace. However, beneath this show of machismo was a person plagued by self-doubt, a conflict he concealed while on the field that subsequently contributed to struggles against addiction and mental health issues. Unflinching Guts Mixed with a Desire for Adrenaline His bravery versus fast bowling was unquestionably genuine. The motivation, however, was a complex blend of pure grit and an admitted need for the rush. He seemed was neurologically unique, seeking out the masochistic test of standing up to thunderbolts, which demanded lightning reflexes and a willingness to suffer physical punishment. This trait was never better displayed during his legendary undefeated knock of 148 representing his country versus the mighty West Indies at the Home of Cricket in 1991. On a tricky surface, facing the furious onslaught of two of the greatest fast bowlers in history, Smith stood firm but counter-attacked with gusto, his eyes reportedly sparkling the brutal exchange of bouncers and boundaries. He later described that it left him feeling “buzzing”. A Stellar England Tenure Featuring mostly at number five or six, He earned caps for England in 62 Test matches and 71 ODIs between 1988 and 1996. He accumulated 4,236 Test runs at an average of 43.67, which contained nine three-figure scores. In the one-day arena, he made 2,419 runs with an average just under 40. A particularly brutal innings occurred in 1993 in Birmingham against Australia, where he smashed a devastating 167. It was such a domineering performance that he was reportedly commendations from the Prime Minister, John Major. Sadly, a recurring theme, his team still failed to win that contest. The Moniker and a Complex Legacy Affectionately nicknamed ‘Judge’ after a wig-like haircut resembling a judicial wig, his mean in Test cricket was notably impressive, especially considering his career spanned in a losing era. Many believe he was discarded somewhat unfairly post a fractious series of South Africa in 1995-96. As he later confessed, he existed as two people: ‘the Judge’, the tough, confrontational competitor who lived for conflict, and Robin Smith, a gentle, feeling individual. The two identities suppressed the other. His fierce loyalty occasionally led to trouble. In a notable incident involved him standing up for West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall from racist abuse at a team hotel. After words failed, he floored the ringleader, a move which fractured his hand and cost him six weeks of cricket. Life After Cricket Adapting to a world outside the dressing room proved exceptionally difficult. The thrill of competition was replaced by the mundane realities of running companies. Businesses involving a travel company ultimately faltered. Coupled with a strained relationship and serious money troubles, he descended into addiction and severe depression. A move to Australia accompanied by his brother Chris offered a fresh start but did not solve his core problems. At his lowest point, he considered ending his life, and was only saved from that decision by the intervention of family and a neighbour. His family includes Karin, his partner, his son and daughter, and brother Chris.