England cricket icon Robin Smith has passed away at the age of 62. The former batsman, known for his remarkable career in which he played 62 Test matches for England, died in Australia where he had traveled for the Ashes series.
The sad news was shared by Smith’s close friend and former Hampshire teammate, Kevan James, during an emotional interview on BBC Radio Solent. Smith had been open about his struggles with alcohol and depression, although the exact cause of his death remains undisclosed.
During his time in Australia for the Ashes, Smith reunited with former England teammates Graham Gooch, David Gower, and Allan Lamb. Known as ‘The Judge’, Smith, a skilled right-handed batsman, made his Test debut against the West Indies in 1988. Notably, he scored two centuries during the subsequent Ashes series.
Smith’s highest Test score of 175 came in response to Brian Lara’s record-breaking innings of 375 in Antigua. Throughout his Test career, he amassed 4,236 runs at an impressive average of 43.67, including nine centuries. He also represented England in 71 one-day internationals and was part of the 1992 World Cup final squad. His 167 not out against Australia in 1993 stood as the highest ODI score by an English player until 2016.
Despite retiring from international cricket in 1996, Smith continued to play for Hampshire until 2003, enjoying a 21-season career with the club. Regarded as one of the county’s finest players, Smith faced personal challenges post-retirement, battling alcoholism and depression. His health struggles led to hospitalization and relapses, exacerbated by the recent loss of his father.
In a recent interview with The Times, Smith candidly discussed his ongoing battle with alcoholism and mental health, acknowledging the constant struggle to stay sober. He emphasized the importance of reaching out for support and regretted not seeking help earlier in his journey.
Robin Smith’s legacy in cricket will be remembered not only for his on-field achievements but also for his resilience in confronting personal demons. His passing marks the end of an era for English cricket, leaving behind a lasting impact on the sport and those who knew him.