Remembering The 'Judge', 1963-2025.
During the period preceding the frenetic T20 revolution, no one struck a cricket ball with more raw power as Robin Smith. Built like a boxer yet endowed with the nimble footwork of his ballet dancer mother, he produced shots – notably his ferocious square cut – with such devastating power they could dent in advertising boards and shattered the hopes of the opposition.
Smith, who has died following a long period of ill health, existed of profound contradictions. Outwardly, he was the very image of a brave, front-foot player, famed for memorable contests with fearsome quicks. But behind this facade of bravado existed a person plagued by self-doubt, a battle he masked throughout his career but which later contributed to problems of depression and addiction.
Sheer Bravery Mixed with a Desire for Danger
His bravery versus fast bowling was unquestionably genuine. The source of this courage, was a complex blend of pure grit and a self-confessed thrill-seeking nature. Teammates wondered if he was built differently, seeking out the punishing challenge of confronting express bowling, which demanded lightning reflexes and a high tolerance for pain.
This was perfectly illustrated during his legendary innings of 148 not out representing his country against the West Indies at Lord's in 1991. In challenging conditions, against the rampant a pair of legendary pacemen, Smith stood firm but thrived, relishing the brutal exchange of bouncers and boundaries. He admitted afterwards the experience as leaving him “buzzing”.
An Impressive Test Career
Batting primarily in the middle order, Smith played for England in 62 Test matches and 71 One-Day Internationals between 1988 and 1996. He accumulated 4,236 Test runs at an average of 43-plus, featuring nine centuries. In the 50-over format, he made almost two and a half thousand runs at an average nearing forty.
Perhaps his most ferocious knock was played in 1993 in Birmingham versus the old enemy, where he smashed a brutal 167 runs. The innings was so powerful he earned commendations from the Prime Minister, John Major. Yet, in a cruel twist, the side still failed to win the match.
The Moniker and a Troubled Soul
Dubbed ‘Judge’ due to an early hairstyle resembling a judicial wig, his batting average in Tests was notably impressive, particularly given he played for a frequently defeated England team. It is widely felt he was discarded somewhat unfairly post a fractious series to South Africa in 1995-96.
As he later confessed, he felt like a dual personality: ‘The Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who loved a fight, and Robin Smith, a gentle, feeling individual. Each persona were in constant tension.
His fierce loyalty could also be his downfall. In a notable incident involved him standing up for West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs in a hotel bar. When verbal requests were ignored, he punched the main aggressor, a response that broke his own hand causing six weeks of cricket.
Life After Cricket
Adapting to a world after professional sport was immensely challenging. The buzz of the game was replaced by the mundane realities of commerce. Businesses involving bat manufacturing did not succeed. Compounded by problems in his marriage and mounting debts, he descended into alcohol dependency and severe depression.
Relocating to Perth alongside his children was meant to be a reset but couldn't resolve his core problems. During his darkest hour, he thought about taking his own life, only being pulled back from that decision by the intervention of family and a neighbour.
He leaves behind his partner, Karin, his son and daughter, and elder brother Chris.
