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Smith played 62 Tests for England between 1988 and 1996.
Jonathan VealTuesday 02 December 2025 17:51 GMT
open image in galleryRobin Smith has died aged 62 (PA) (PA Wire)
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Robin Smith, the former England batter renowned for his courage in facing down and excelling against the fastest bowlers of his era, has died aged 62 at his home in Perth.
Smith played 62 Tests for England between 1988 and 1996, scoring 4,236 runs at an average of 43.67, with nine hundreds, while he was described by former county Hampshire as “one of the greatest” all-time heroes.
Nicknamed ‘Judge’ because of his long, curly hair which resembled a judge’s wig, Smith struggled with mental health difficulties and alcoholism after ending a 22-year long playing career in 2003.
He addressed these issues in a series of candid interviews after being invited by coach Andrew Flintoff to speak to England Lions in Perth only two weeks ago, but Smith’s family says no link should be made between his personal issues and the cause of his death.
A family statement said: “It is with the deepest and most profound sense of sadness and loss that we must announce the passing of Robin Arnold Smith, beloved father of Harrison and Margaux and cherished brother of Christopher.
“Robin died unexpectedly at his South Perth apartment on Monday, December 1. The cause of his death is at present unknown.
“Since his retirement from the game in 2004 his battles with alcohol and mental health have been well documented but these should not form the basis of speculation about the cause of death which will be determined at postmortem investigation.
“This is an immensely difficult period for us all while we try to come to terms with our bereavement, and we would therefore much appreciate consideration for our privacy by media and cricket followers alike.”
Smith was fondly remembered for his punishing cut shot against the likes of Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh, and it was against this pace duo where he made his Test best 175 against the West Indies in Antigua in 1994.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain led the tributes to his former team-mate, telling Sky Sports: “An outstanding player of all types of bowling, but especially fast bowling.
“He had no fear in him at all when facing the quicks. But my greatest memory was Judge the person. He was just such a lovely man.”
Michael Atherton echoed Hussain as he said: “He was the kind of guy that would give everything for the team. A lovely guy, a wonderful player. It’s desperate news.”
Born in Durban, South Africa, to British parents, Smith also featured in 71 ODIs with a best of 167 against Australia in 1993, the highest score for an England batter until Alex Hales broke the record in 2016.
He played for Hampshire between 1982 and 2003, captaining them from 1988 to 2002, and helped the club to Benson and Hedges Cup victories in 1988 and 1992 and the NatWest Trophy in 1991.
Former club owner Rod Bransgrove said: “Robin Smith is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of all time Hampshire Cricket heroes.
“He was a batsman of awesome power and control and amongst the most courageous players this club has ever seen – especially against bowling of real pace.”
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen also paid tribute to Smith, writing on X: “Heartbreaking to hear about the tragic loss of Robin Smith! Always have the fondest memories of The Judge!”
England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson added in a statement: “Robin Smith was a player who stood toe to toe with some of the quickest bowlers around, meeting spells of hostile fast bowling with a defiant smile and a ferocious shot.
“He did so in a way that gave England fans enormous pride, and no shortage of entertainment. He was a batter ahead of his time.”
