Remembering Robin Smith, Aged 62.

In the age before the frenetic Twenty20 revolution, arguably nobody hit a cricket ball with such sheer force than Robin Smith. Constructed with the physique of a fighter but possessing the quick feet from his mother, a dancer, he unleashed strokes – notably his ferocious square cut – with such immense force they dented in boundary hoardings while crushing bowlers' confidence.

Smith has passed away after a prolonged illness, existed filled with stark contrasts. Outwardly, he was the very image of a brave, front-foot player, renowned for memorable contests against express pace. Yet, behind this show of machismo existed a deeply insecure individual, a conflict he kept hidden while on the field but which later contributed to problems of alcoholism and depression.

Raw Courage Mixed with a Desire for Danger

His bravery versus fast bowling was unquestionably genuine. The source of this courage, was a complex blend of innate toughness and an admitted need for the rush. Teammates wondered if he was built differently, positively relishing the masochistic test of confronting express bowling, which demanded blistering reactions and an ability to absorb blows.

This trait was never better displayed in his famous innings of 148 not out for England against the West Indies at the Home of Cricket in 1991. On a difficult pitch, against the rampant two of the greatest fast bowlers in history, Smith stood firm but thrived, apparently delighting in the fierce contest of bouncers and boundaries. He admitted afterwards that it left him feeling “buzzing”.

A Notable Test Career

Featuring mostly in the middle order, Smith represented England in 62 Test matches and 71 One-Day Internationals from the late 80s to the mid-90s. He amassed more than four thousand runs in Tests at an average of 43-plus, featuring nine three-figure scores. In the 50-over format, he compiled almost two and a half thousand runs at an average close to 40.

A particularly brutal innings occurred in 1993 against Australia against Australia, blasting a brutal 167 runs. The innings was so powerful that he was reportedly direct praise from the Prime Minister, John Major. However, in a frustrating pattern, his team ended up losing that contest.

The 'Judge' and Lasting Contradictions

Affectionately nicknamed ‘Judge’ due to an early hairstyle that looked like a judge's wig, Smith's Test average was notably impressive, especially considering his career spanned in a losing era. Many believe he was discarded somewhat unfairly following a contentious trip in South Africa in the winter of 95/96.

He admitted in his autobiography, he was two people: ‘Judge’, the tough, confrontational competitor who lived for conflict, and Robin Smith, a gentle, feeling individual. Each persona suppressed the other.

An unshakeable sense of loyalty could also be his downfall. One well-known episode he intervened to protect fellow Hampshire player Malcolm Marshall against racial taunts in a hotel bar. Following unsuccessful appeals, Smith knocked out the main aggressor, an act which fractured his hand and cost him a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Difficult Transition

Moving on from the game post-cricket proved exceptionally difficult. The thrill of competition was replaced by the ordinary pressures of running companies. Businesses involving bat manufacturing ultimately faltered. Alongside problems in his marriage and serious money troubles, he fell victim to alcohol dependency and profound despair.

Relocating to Perth accompanied by his brother Chris provided a new beginning but did not solve his personal demons. During his darkest hour, he considered ending his life, only being pulled back from that decision by the intervention of his child and a friend.

He leaves behind his companion, Karin, Harrison and Margaux, and his brother, Chris.