Former England batter Robin Smith has died at the age of 62. Nicknamed ‘Judge’, Smith won 62 Test caps between 1988 and 1996 and scored 4,236 runs at an average of 43.67, including nine centuries. He also averaged 39.01 in 71 one-day internationals.
Smith spent his entire county career at Hampshire, winning two Benson & Hedges Cups and a NatWest Trophy and captaining them between 1998 and 2002. He finished his 22-year career in 2003, with 26,155 first-class runs at 41.51.
Post-Retirement
Following his retirement, Smith, who had relocated to Australia, struggled with mental health issues and alcoholism and was hospitalised 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 the deepest and most profound sense of sadness and loss that we must announce the passing of Robin Smith,” a family statement read.
“Robin rose to fame as one of England’s most charismatic and popular players.
“A brave and dashing batsman, he excelled both for Hampshire and his adopted country, collecting legions of admirers and friends along the way.”
Born in South Africa in 1963, Smith followed older brother Chris and future England international to Hampshire as a teenager, making his debut in 1982. After a four-year qualification period, he was eligible to play for England, with his Test debut coming against West Indies at Headingley in 1988.
England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson said: “Robin Smith was a player who stood toe to toe with some of the quickest bowlers in the world, meeting spells of hostile fast bowling with a defiant smile and an incredible resilience.
“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, which was typified by that unforgettable 167 from 163 balls against Australia.
“His record at Hampshire is exemplary, and he’ll be remembered rightly as a great of Hampshire CCC.” He concluded.
