Tributes Paid to The 'Judge', 1963-2025.
In the age before the explosive Twenty20 format, few could match the cricket ball with more raw power than Robin Smith. Constructed like a boxer but possessing the nimble footwork inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, his shots were unleashed – notably his ferocious square cut – with such devastating power they dented in perimeter fencing and shattered bowlers' confidence.
Smith has passed away after a lengthy battle with poor health, was a man filled with stark contrasts. On the surface, he was the epitome of courageous, aggressive batting, famed for epic duels with fearsome quicks. However, beneath this show of machismo existed a man constantly questioning his own worth, a battle he kept hidden while on the field that subsequently fuelled problems of alcoholism and depression.
Raw Courage and a Thirst for Danger
His bravery versus fast bowling was utterly authentic. The source of this courage, involved a combination of innate toughness and a self-confessed need for the rush. He seemed wired differently, actively craving the masochistic test of confronting express bowling, which demanded blistering reactions and an ability to absorb blows.
This was perfectly illustrated in his famous undefeated knock of 148 representing his country against the West Indies at the Home of Cricket in 1991. On a difficult pitch, facing the furious onslaught of Curtly Ambrose and Malcolm Marshall, Smith not only survived he positively flourished, apparently delighting in the brutal exchange of bouncers and boundaries. In retrospect, he said the experience as leaving him “buzzing”.
A Notable Test Career
Featuring mostly as a middle-order batsman, Smith represented England across 62 Tests and 71 One-Day Internationals during an eight-year international span. He scored more than four thousand runs in Tests averaging 43.67, which contained nine centuries. In the one-day arena, he made 2,419 ODI runs at an average nearing forty.
Perhaps his most ferocious knock came in 1993 against Australia facing the Aussies, blasting a devastating 167. It was such a domineering performance that he was reportedly personally congratulated the Prime Minister, John Major. Yet, in a cruel twist, the side could not secure victory the match.
The Moniker and Lasting Contradictions
Affectionately nicknamed ‘the Judge’ after a wig-like haircut reminiscent of a court wig, his batting average in Tests was notably impressive, particularly given his career spanned in a losing era. Many believe his international career was ended somewhat unfairly following a contentious trip to South Africa in 1995-96.
He admitted in his autobiography, he existed as two people: ‘The Judge’, the tough, confrontational competitor who loved a fight, and the man himself, a gentle, feeling individual. Each persona fought for dominance.
An unshakeable sense of loyalty occasionally led to trouble. One well-known episode involved him standing up for teammate Malcolm Marshall against racial taunts at a team hotel. Following unsuccessful appeals, he floored the main aggressor, a response which fractured his hand and cost him six weeks of cricket.
The Difficult Transition
Adapting to a world post-cricket was immensely challenging. The adrenaline rush was substituted for the routine demands of commerce. Ventures into a travel company eventually failed. Alongside a strained relationship and financial woes, he descended into heavy drinking and severe depression.
Emigrating to Western Australia with his family offered a fresh start but failed to fix his personal demons. In a moment of deep crisis, he thought about taking his own life, and was only saved from that decision through the care of family and a neighbour.
Robin Smith is survived by Karin, his partner, Harrison and Margaux, and his brother, Chris.
