Former England batsman Robin Smith dies aged 62.
Nicknamed “The Judge”, Smith won 62 Test matches between 1988 and 1996 and scored 4,236 runs at an average of 43.67, including nine centuries.
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He also averaged 39.01 in 71 one-day international matches.
Smith spent his entire county career at Hampshire, winning two Benson Hedges Trophies and a NatWest Trophy and serving as captain between 1998 and 2002.
He ended a 22-year career in 2003 with 26,155 Grade 1 runs at 41.51.
After retiring, Smith moved to Australia, where he struggled with mental health issues and alcoholism and was hospitalized for several months in 2024.
His family said he died unexpectedly at his home in Perth on Monday. The cause of death is unknown.
“It is with our deepest sadness and sense of loss that we must announce the passing of Robin Smith,” a family statement read.
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“Robin has made a name for himself as one of England’s most charismatic and popular players.
“He was a brave and dashing batsman who excelled both in Hampshire and his adopted home, amassing legions of admirers and friends along the way.”
Smith was born in South Africa in 1963. As a teenager, he followed his brother, future England international Chris, to Hampshire and made his debut in 1982.
After four years of qualifying, he was eligible to play for England and made his debut against the West Indies at Headingley in 1988.
Later that summer, he made his debut against Sri Lanka.
The following year, Smith became England’s leading run-scorer with 553 runs in the 4-0 Ashes loss at home to Australia.
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He performed particularly well in English conditions, scoring seven of nine Test centuries and averaging close to 50 on home soil.
He was a member of England’s 1992 World Cup squad, but he did not feature in the final defeat to Pakistan.
Smith’s unbeaten knock of 163 against Australia at Edgbaston in 1993 was the highest score by an English player in the tournament until Alex Hales’ 171 against Pakistan in 2016.
Smith’s struggles with spin and persistent shoulder injuries led to him being dropped from the Test squad in 1994, and although he was briefly recalled 12 months later, his international career ended at the age of 32.
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He remained with Hampshire until shortly before his 40th birthday, making over 640 appearances for the county.
Chairman Rod Bransgrove said: “Robin Smith is one of the greatest heroes in Hampshire cricket history, if not the greatest.
“He was a batsman of formidable power and control and one of the bravest players the club has ever produced – especially against bowling of real pace.
“But above all, Robin embodied the spirit of Hampshire. He loved playing for his county and would come back from many of his 62 Test matches and 71 ODIs to join his county team for Championship or A-level matches with relish.
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“The judge formed a bond with everyone he came in contact with.
“He was one of the most beloved players of all time and we all loved the game and he will be sorely missed by players, members, staff and supporters – not just in Hampshire but across the country and beyond.”
Richard Thompson, chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, said: “Robin Smith is a player who has gone toe-to-toe with the fastest bowlers in the world, dealing with hostile fast bowling with a defiant smile and incredible resilience.
“The way he did it gave England fans a huge sense of pride and was no less entertaining.
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“He was a batsman ahead of his time, scoring a memorable 167 off 163 balls against Australia.
“His record at Hampshire was exemplary and he will rightly be remembered as a great figure at Hampshire CCC.”
Smith is known for his square cut [Rex Features]
