England cricket icon Robin Smith has passed away at the age of 62. The former batsman, renowned for his performances in 62 Test matches for England, died in Australia while being there for the Ashes series. The sad news was shared by Kevan James, a close friend and former teammate from Hampshire, during an emotional interview on BBC Radio Solent.
Smith, known as ‘The Judge’, was a talented right-handed batsman who debuted for England against the West Indies in 1988. Despite being born in South Africa, he made a significant impact in international cricket, including scoring two centuries in the Ashes series the following summer. His highest Test score of 175 came in response to Brian Lara’s then-record innings of 375 in Antigua.
Apart from his Test success, Smith also contributed to England’s one-day international team, playing 71 matches and notably scoring 167 not out against Australia in 1993. He continued his cricket career with Hampshire until 2003, earning a reputation as one of the county’s all-time great players.
Despite his sporting achievements, Smith battled personal demons, openly discussing his struggles with alcoholism and depression. His health issues remained a concern, with his recent passing leaving the cricket community mourning the loss of a gifted player and a courageous individual who faced his challenges with resilience.