Robin Smith, affectionately known as “Judge,” was revered across the cricketing world as one of the most fearless batsmen of his era. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, fans watched in awe as Smith confronted some of the fastest and fiercest bowlers in cricket history with unwavering bravery.
Smith’s signature style—sometimes springing back from fierce bouncers delivered by greats like Malcolm Marshall, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, and Allan Donald, and at other times standing tall to cut or hook with ferocity—made him a formidable opponent. The one thing he never did was retreat.
Passing away at the age of 62, Smith was not just a gladiator on the field but also a cherished teammate off it. However, beneath his tough exterior lay personal struggles that were never as stable as his cricketing achievements. He leaves behind his son Harrison, daughter Margaux, and his partner Karin, who has recently been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
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Smith battled anxiety, depression, and alcohol addiction for many years, openly sharing his struggles with serious health challenges, including organ damage and suicidal thoughts. While admired for his fearless batting, he fought a private battle with his self-worth.
Born in Durban, South Africa, on September 13, 1963, Smith was a gifted all-round athlete, excelling in rugby, hurdling, and shot put during his youth. Despite the international sporting boycott of apartheid-era South Africa, he found his passion in cricket and trained rigorously, inspired by legends living nearby such as Mike Procter and Barry Richards.
His English father, John, built a cricket square next door, complete with a bowling machine, providing Smith and his brother Chris with invaluable practice space. It was here Smith developed his trademark frizzy hair, earning him the nickname “Judge,” which became both a persona he adopted on the field and a shield against his inner struggles.
Barry Richards encouraged Smith to sign with Hampshire, where he teamed up with his brother Chris and secured a four-year contract that set the stage for his eventual qualification to play for England.
Smith’s international debut was impressive, combining with his great friend Allan Lamb for a fifty partnership against a powerful West Indies team in 1988, followed by a half-century in his second Test at The Oval. His Ashes performance in 1989, including consecutive centuries at Old Trafford and Trent Bridge, cemented his reputation as a fearless competitor.
Though a master against pace, Smith found spin bowling challenging, especially from Shane Warne during the 1993 series—a rivalry that blossomed into a meaningful friendship, with Warne’s passing in 2022 deeply affecting Smith.
His international career spanned 13 centuries, with a Test high score of 175 in Antigua—though overshadowed by Brian Lara’s record-breaking 375—and an ODI best of 167 not out against Australia at Edgbaston. That innings set the record for the highest ODI score by an England batsman, standing for 23 years until Alex Hales surpassed it in 2016.
Despite maintaining a Test average of 43.67, Smith was dropped from the England team in 1996 at just 32 years old. He continued to contribute significantly at Hampshire as both player and captain until 2003, playing a key role in stabilizing the club through financial challenges.
After retirement, Smith ventured into business, including an early role with the cricket helmet brand Masuri. However, his ongoing battles with alcohol and mental health thwarted many of his efforts.
His 2019 autobiography offered a candid look into his darkest moments and his resilience, allowing fans to understand the complex man behind the fearless “Judge” who captivated a generation.