Cricket Mourns Robin Smith, Who Has Died Aged 62.
Long before the dawn of the high-octane Twenty20 era, no one struck a cricket ball with such sheer force as Robin Smith. Constructed with the physique of a fighter yet endowed with the agile movement of his ballet dancer mother, he unleashed strokes – the square cut in particular – with such violence they could dent in perimeter fencing while crushing the hopes of the opposition.
Smith, who has died after a lengthy battle with poor health, was a man filled with stark contrasts. To the public eye, he appeared the embodiment of fearless, attacking batsmanship, celebrated for memorable contests with the world's fastest bowlers. Yet, behind this mask of confidence was a deeply insecure individual, a conflict he masked while on the field but which later fuelled battles with depression and addiction.
Unflinching Guts Mixed with a Desire for the Rush
His bravery versus fast bowling could never be doubted. But the driving force, was a complex blend of pure grit and an admitted addiction to adrenaline. Teammates wondered if he was neurologically unique, seeking out the punishing challenge of confronting express bowling, which demanded blistering reactions and an ability to absorb blows.
The ultimate demonstration came in his famous innings of 148 not out playing for England against the West Indies at the Home of Cricket in 1991. On a difficult pitch, facing the furious onslaught of a pair of legendary pacemen, he did not merely endure but counter-attacked with gusto, relishing the fierce contest of short balls and fours. In retrospect, he said that it left him feeling “buzzing”.
A Stellar International Career
Batting primarily at number five or six, Smith represented England over 62 Test matches and 71 ODIs from the late 80s to the mid-90s. He amassed over four thousand Test runs averaging 43.67, including nine hundreds. In the 50-over format, he compiled 2,419 runs averaging close to 40.
One of his most destructive displays was played in 1993 against Australia facing the Aussies, where he smashed a devastating 167. The innings was so powerful that he was reportedly direct praise from the country's leader. However, in a frustrating pattern, England still failed to win that contest.
The 'Judge' and Lasting Contradictions
Known widely as ‘The Judge’ because of a youthful haircut that looked like a judge's wig, his mean in Test cricket stands as commendable, especially considering his career spanned during a period of English struggle. Many believe he was discarded somewhat unfairly post a fractious series to South Africa in the winter of 95/96.
In his own words, he was two people: ‘The Judge’, the arrogant, combative cricketer who thrived on battle, and plain Robin, a sensitive, emotional man. The two identities were in constant tension.
His staunch allegiance sometimes caused him problems. In a notable incident involved him standing up for teammate Malcolm Marshall from racist abuse in a hotel bar. Following unsuccessful appeals, he punched the primary abuser, a move that broke his own hand and cost him a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Struggles in Retirement
Moving on from the game after professional sport was immensely challenging. The adrenaline rush was substituted for the ordinary pressures of commerce. Ventures into and a wine bar ultimately faltered. Compounded by marital difficulties and financial woes, he fell victim to alcohol dependency and profound despair.
Relocating to Perth with his family offered a fresh start but did not solve his core problems. In a moment of deep crisis, he contemplated suicide, before being talked back from the edge by the support of his son and a compassionate neighbour.
His family includes his companion, Karin, Harrison and Margaux, and his brother, Chris.
