Remembering Robin Smith, Who Has Died Aged 62.

During the period preceding the high-octane T20 format, no one struck a cricket ball with such sheer force as Robin Smith. Shaped with a prizefighter's frame yet blessed with the quick feet inherited from his mother, a ballet dancer, he unleashed strokes – the square cut in particular – with such immense force that they left dents in boundary hoardings while crushing the morale of opponents.

The cricketer's death comes following a long period of ill health, existed filled with stark contrasts. On the surface, he was the very image of courageous, aggressive batting, celebrated for thrilling battles with the world's fastest bowlers. But behind this facade of bravado was a deeply insecure individual, a conflict he concealed during his playing days only to later led to battles with depression and addiction.

Unflinching Guts Mixed with a Desire for Adrenaline

His fearlessness against pace was utterly authentic. But the driving force, was a curious mix of pure grit and an admitted addiction to adrenaline. Teammates wondered if he wired differently, seeking out the masochistic test of confronting express bowling, which calls for blistering reactions and a willingness to suffer physical punishment.

This trait was never better displayed in his famous undefeated knock of 148 playing for England against the West Indies at the Home of Cricket in 1991. In challenging conditions, against the rampant a pair of legendary pacemen, he did not merely endure but thrived, relishing the fierce contest of bouncers and boundaries. He admitted afterwards that it left him feeling “electrified”.

An Impressive International Career

Playing largely as a middle-order batsman, He earned caps for England over 62 Test matches and 71 One-Day Internationals during an eight-year international span. He accumulated more than four thousand runs in Tests with a mean of 43.67, including nine three-figure scores. In the one-day arena, he made almost two and a half thousand runs at an average nearing forty.

Perhaps his most ferocious knock was played in 1993 at Edgbaston facing the Aussies, hammering a devastating 167. It was such a domineering performance that he was reportedly personally congratulated the country's leader. Yet, in a cruel twist, his team ended up losing the match.

The Moniker and Lasting Contradictions

Dubbed ‘Judge’ after a wig-like haircut that looked like a judge's wig, his batting average in Tests was notably impressive, especially considering he featured in a losing era. Many believe his international career was ended somewhat unfairly following a contentious trip to South Africa in the winter of 95/96.

As he later confessed, he existed as a dual personality: ‘The Judge’, the ruthless on-field warrior who lived for conflict, and Robin Smith, a gentle, feeling individual. Each persona suppressed the other.

His fierce loyalty could also be his downfall. One well-known episode he intervened to protect West Indian colleague Malcolm Marshall from racist abuse in Leicester. After words failed, Smith knocked out the primary abuser, a response that broke his own hand causing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Struggles in Retirement

Moving on from the game outside the dressing room became a huge struggle. The thrill of competition gave way to the routine demands of running companies. Businesses involving bat manufacturing did not succeed. Coupled with marital difficulties and financial woes, he spiralled into heavy drinking and severe depression.

A move to Australia accompanied by his brother Chris provided a new beginning but did not solve his underlying issues. At his lowest point, he thought about taking his own life, and was only saved from the brink by the intervention of his child and a friend.

His family includes Karin, his partner, Harrison and Margaux, and his brother, Chris.