England cricket great Robin Smith has passed away at the age of 62 while in Australia. The former batsman, known for his remarkable career in which he played 62 Test matches for England, died during his visit Down Under for the Ashes series.
The sad news was announced by Smith’s close friend and former teammate, Kevan James, during an emotional interview on BBC Radio Solent earlier today. Although Smith had faced health challenges and had been candid about his struggles with alcohol and depression, the exact cause of his death remains undisclosed.
Smith, affectionately called ‘The Judge’, made a significant impact with his elegant and bold right-handed batting style. Despite being born in South Africa, he made his Test debut for England in 1988 against the West Indies and went on to achieve notable milestones, including scoring two centuries in the subsequent Ashes series.
His top Test score of 175, achieved in response to Brian Lara’s record-breaking 375 in Antigua, showcased his exceptional talent. Smith concluded his Test career with 4,236 runs at an impressive average of 43.67, with nine centuries to his name.
In addition to his Test career, Smith also represented England in 71 one-day internationals and was part of the team that reached the World Cup final in 1992. His memorable knock of 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, becoming one of the most esteemed players in the county’s history. However, he grappled with alcoholism and depression post-retirement, enduring hospitalization and relapses, particularly after the recent loss of his father.
In a recent interview with The Times, Smith candidly discussed his ongoing battle with alcoholism and the importance of seeking help when struggling with mental health issues. He emphasized the significance of reaching out to friends and not hesitating to share one’s burdens.
Robin Smith’s legacy in the world of cricket will be remembered for his exceptional talent on the field and his courage in openly addressing mental health challenges off the field.