Tributes Paid to The 'Judge', Who Has Died Aged 62.

Long before the dawn of the explosive Twenty20 era, no one struck the cricket ball with such sheer force as Robin Smith. Constructed with a prizefighter's frame yet endowed with the quick feet from his mother, a dancer, he unleashed strokes – notably his ferocious square cut – with such devastating power that they left dents in perimeter fencing and shattered the hopes of the opposition.

Smith, who has died after a lengthy battle with poor health, presented as a figure filled with stark contrasts. Outwardly, he was the very image of fearless, attacking batsmanship, celebrated for memorable contests with the world's fastest bowlers. However, beneath this mask of confidence lay a man constantly questioning his own worth, a struggle he concealed while on the field only to later led to struggles against addiction and mental health issues.

Raw Courage Mixed with a Desire for Danger

His courage facing quick bowlers could never be doubted. But the driving force, was a complex blend of innate toughness and a self-confessed need for the rush. Teammates wondered if he wired differently, positively relishing the punishing challenge of confronting express bowling, a situation requiring instant responses and a willingness to suffer physical punishment.

The ultimate demonstration came in his famous undefeated knock of 148 playing for England versus the mighty West Indies at the Home of Cricket in 1991. On a difficult pitch, as Curtly Ambrose and Malcolm Marshall, Smith stood firm but thrived, his eyes reportedly sparkling the fierce contest of bouncers and boundaries. He admitted afterwards the feeling was one of “buzzing”.

A Notable International Career

Playing largely in the middle order, Smith represented England in 62 Test matches and 71 One-Day Internationals during an eight-year international span. He scored more than four thousand runs in Tests averaging 43.67, including nine centuries. In ODI cricket, he gathered 2,419 ODI runs averaging close to 40.

A particularly brutal innings came in 1993 in Birmingham against Australia, blasting 167 ruthless runs. The innings was so powerful he earned commendations from the Prime Minister, John Major. However, in a frustrating pattern, the side could not secure victory the match.

The 'Judge' and Lasting Contradictions

Known widely as ‘Judge’ after a wig-like haircut reminiscent of a court wig, his mean in Test cricket was notably impressive, not least because his career spanned during a period of English struggle. It is widely felt his international career was ended somewhat unfairly after a difficult tour of South Africa in the winter of 95/96.

He admitted in his autobiography, he was two distinct characters: ‘Judge’, the tough, confrontational competitor who lived for conflict, and Robin Smith, a vulnerable person. The two identities fought for dominance.

His staunch allegiance sometimes caused him problems. Most famously saw him defend teammate Malcolm Marshall from racist abuse at a team hotel. After words failed, he punched the primary abuser, an act which fractured his hand leading to a significant layoff.

Life After Cricket

The transition to life post-cricket was immensely challenging. The adrenaline rush gave way to the mundane realities of running companies. Ventures into bat manufacturing ultimately faltered. Alongside marital difficulties and serious money troubles, he spiralled into heavy drinking and profound despair.

Relocating to Perth with his family provided a new beginning but did not solve his personal demons. At his lowest point, he considered ending his life, and was only saved from the edge by the intervention of his child and a friend.

His family includes his partner, Karin, his two children, and elder brother Chris.