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The cricket community is mourning the loss of former England batsman Robin Smith, who died unexpectedly at his South Perth apartment on December 1, at the age of 62. The news of his passing was confirmed by his family in a poignant statement released on Tuesday.
A Career Defined by Courage
Robin Smith, affectionately known throughout the cricketing world as “The Judge,” forged a celebrated career for both his adopted country, England, and his county club, Hampshire.
- International Stature: Smith appeared in 62 Tests for England between 1988 and 1996, aggregating 4,236 runs at a formidable average of 43.67, including nine centuries. He was part of the England squad that reached the final of the 1992 World Cup.
- Facing the Fire: He was widely regarded as one of his generation’s bravest players against genuine fast bowling, making his debut against the terrifying West Indies attack featuring icons like Malcolm Marshall, Curtly Ambrose, and Courtney Walsh.
- ODI Brilliance: ECB Chair Richard Thompson pointed to Smith’s groundbreaking style, highlighting his unforgettable unbeaten 167 off 163 balls against Australia in a 1993 ODI as evidence that he was a batter ahead of his time.
Hampshire’s Greatest Influence
Born in Durban, South Africa, Smith relocated to England in 1983 to join Hampshire. Over seventeen seasons with the county, he cemented his status as a club legend, amassing 18,984 first-class runs.
Rod Bransgrove, the former Hampshire chairman, described Smith as “the most influential player in the history of Hampshire cricket,” underscoring his deep bond with the club. His partnership with Allan Lamb, notably beginning with a 100-run stand on his Test debut, developed into a cherished, lifelong friendship.
Family’s Request for Privacy
In their statement announcing his passing, the family—including his children Harrison and Margaux—requested privacy during this “immensely difficult period.”
They acknowledged that Smith had faced well-documented personal challenges following his retirement from the game in 2004, including struggles with alcohol and mental health. However, they firmly stated that speculation regarding the cause of death should be avoided, as the exact reason is currently unknown and will be determined following a postmortem investigation.
Just two weeks before his unexpected death, Smith shared his wealth of experience with the touring England Lions squad in Perth, offering insights into transitioning to international cricket.
Image Credis : CricBuzz
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