Cricket Mourns The 'Judge', Aged 62.

During the period preceding the explosive Twenty20 format, few could match the leather with such sheer force as Robin Smith. Constructed with a prizefighter's frame but possessing the quick feet of his ballet dancer mother, he unleashed strokes – especially his trademark square cut – with such devastating power they dented in advertising boards while crushing the hopes of the opposition.

Smith, who has died after a lengthy battle with poor health, existed riddled with paradox. Outwardly, he was the very image of fearless, attacking batsmanship, renowned for epic duels with the world's fastest bowlers. However, beneath this show of machismo lay a person plagued by self-doubt, a battle he kept hidden while on the field only to later fuelled battles with addiction and mental health issues.

Unflinching Guts Coupled with a Craving for Danger

His fearlessness against pace was utterly authentic. The source of this courage, was a curious mix of pure grit and a confessed thrill-seeking nature. Many felt he wired differently, positively relishing the punishing challenge of standing up to thunderbolts, which calls for instant responses and an ability to absorb blows.

This trait was never better displayed during his legendary undefeated knock of 148 representing his country versus the mighty West Indies at Lord's in 1991. On a difficult pitch, facing the furious onslaught of Curtly Ambrose and Malcolm Marshall, Smith stood firm but counter-attacked with gusto, apparently delighting in the brutal exchange of short balls and fours. He admitted afterwards the experience as leaving him “electrified”.

A Notable England Tenure

Playing largely at number five or six, Smith represented England across 62 Tests plus 71 limited-overs games during an eight-year international span. He amassed 4,236 Test runs at an average of 43-plus, featuring nine three-figure scores. In the 50-over format, he gathered almost two and a half thousand runs at an average just under 40.

A particularly brutal innings was played in 1993 against Australia against Australia, where he smashed 167 ruthless runs. The display was so impressive that he was reportedly personally congratulated the Prime Minister, John Major. However, in a frustrating pattern, his team could not secure victory that contest.

His Nickname and a Complex Legacy

Affectionately nicknamed ‘the Judge’ because of a youthful haircut reminiscent of a court wig, his mean in Test cricket stands as commendable, especially considering he featured during a period of English struggle. A common view is selectors moved on from him somewhat unfairly after a difficult tour in South Africa in the winter of 95/96.

In his own words, he felt like a dual personality: ‘the Judge’, the arrogant, combative cricketer who thrived on battle, and plain Robin, a gentle, feeling individual. The two identities were in constant tension.

His staunch allegiance sometimes caused him problems. In a notable incident he intervened to protect West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall following racist slurs at a team hotel. When verbal requests were ignored, he punched the main aggressor, an act that broke his own hand and cost him a significant layoff.

Struggles in Retirement

Adapting to a world outside the dressing room was immensely challenging. The thrill of competition was substituted for the ordinary pressures of commerce. Attempts at bat manufacturing ultimately faltered. Compounded by a strained relationship and mounting debts, he spiralled into alcohol dependency and deep depression.

A move to Australia accompanied by his brother Chris was meant to be a reset but couldn't resolve his core problems. In a moment of deep crisis, he thought about taking his own life, before being talked back from the brink by the intervention of family and a neighbour.

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