Robin Smith, once one of the big hitters of the English game, died aged 62. He enriched our game with astounding creativity and audacity, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire greatness for generations to come. Born in 1963 in Durban, South Africa to British-born parents, Smith’s walk through the world of cricket was inspiring, changing, and quietly powerful. As a schoolboy prodigy, he won fame for cricket and rugby prowess. He then moved on to a storied career in professional cricket.
In 1981, Smith’s family immigrated to England, where his talent was immediately put to use. After a successful trial period, he signed for Hampshire – taking the first step on his glorious career path. His other half, Chris Smith, soon began to make a splash of his own on the cricketing scene. He played for Glamorgan’s 2nd XI in 1979. This familial connection to the sport no doubt fostered Robin Smith’s early love and commitment to cricket.
Smith however impressed on his debut for Hampshire in 1982, scoring 38 runs at the top of the order. In just his first Test, he hit a memorable, match-saving century partnership alongside fellow South Africa-born batter Allan Lamb. This partnership would prove to be one of the most remarkable partnerships in the history of English cricket. The England partnership averaged 79 runs each time they paired up, more than any other England duo since World War II.
Because of his South African birth, Smith was considered an overseas player until 1985. Only classified as a defender by position, he quickly established his impact, even receiving a call-up to the England national team. During his international career, he played 36 Test matches. During the series he managed a remarkable average of 43.67, a stark contrast to many of his colleagues in the England Test team.
Over four years into his international career, Smith still hadn’t made his subcontinental Test match debut. This infuriating moment served to illustrate the struggles he had on the whole as a pariah in world cricket. His nickname, ‘Judge,’ originated from his teenage years in South Africa. In those days, his hair was so long and wavy that it passed for a judge’s wig. This tongue-in-cheek nickname gave an idea of both his personality and the bond he fostered with teammates.
Not only did Smith dazzle on the pitch though, he wrote the book “Quest for Number One.” Commissioning this work deepens his connection to the sport beyond just playing it. His contributions weren’t solely confined to Test matches, as he left an indelible mark in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Smith’s performance at Edgbaston in 1993 is perhaps best remembered for his scintillating unbeaten 167 against Australia. This amazing feat served as England’s long-standing record until 2016.
Charismatic and inspirational, Smith’s leadership qualities were soon recognized when he captained Hampshire from 1998-2002. It was during his time as captain that he cemented his legacy and earned everyone’s respect—his teammates, rivals, and even the most bitter fans. He developed a fearsome reputation for his tenacity and ability to counter fast bowling throughout his career. He wore this idiosyncrasy with grace.
“I wasn’t one of the all-time greats, but if people remember me as a good player of raw pace bowling then I’m chuffed with that because it’s something I worked so hard on.” – Robin Smith
His death truly is the end of an era for anyone who appreciated all he contributed to English cricket. While family, colleagues and fans will recall Smith for his record breaking statistics and accomplishments on the field. They miss the joyful, heady charm he infused into the game. His legacy as a fearless competitor will make him an inspiration for generations of cricketers to come.
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