Iconic former Hampshire and England cricketer Robin Smith dies “unexpectedly” aged 62
Iconic former Hampshire and England cricketer Robin Smith has died “unexpectedly” aged 62 while out in Australia watching the Ashes.
The “charismatic” batsman, who played 62 Tests for his country and represented Hampshire from 1982 to 2003, passed away overnight after watching the first Ashes test in Perth last week.
No cause of death has yet been given but Smith only last week opened up about health problems he has suffered since retiring from cricket. He candidly revealed his battles with alcohol and depression and said he was warned by doctors to never drink alcohol again.
In an interview with The Times last week, Smith said: "I thought I had fully recovered. Then having seen dad in the state he was, and living on my own, I got back into my… well, you know, once an alcoholic always an alcoholic.
“You always battle to keep away from it. It’s not difficult to go back on the alcohol. After that week where I started drinking again, I saw the professor who had spoken to my family about me not necessarily making it.”
Smith, affectionately known at ‘The Judge’, played for Hampshire across a 21-year period between 1982 – 2003, captaining the county between 1998 – 2002.
In his time with the Rose and Crown, Smith played over 300 First-Class matches, scoring 18,984 runs with a high score of 209 not out at an impressive average of 42.09. Smith also made 347 List A appearances for Hampshire, securing over 12,000 runs at an average of 42.97.
The former Hampshire captain was also one of England’s most popular cricketers of the 1990s, earning his reputation as a fearless batter with a dangerous square cut. He played in 62 Test matches for England, scoring 4,236 runs.
One of Hampshire’s favourite sons has a permanent place at Utilita Bowl, in the exclusive members area, the Robin Smith Suite, situated in the pavilion end of the ground. Further plans to remember ‘The Judge’ will be announced by the club in due course.
The statement from the family of Robin Smith reads: “It is with the deepest and most profound sense of sadness and loss that we must announce the passing of Robin Arnold Smith, beloved father of Harrison and Margaux and cherished brother of Christopher.
“Robin died unexpectedly at his South Perth apartment on Monday 1st December. The cause of his death is at present unknown.
“Robin known widely as ‘The Judge’ was originally born in South Africa in 1963 to parents John and Joy and is the younger brother to Christopher (Kippy) Smith. 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.
“Since his retirement from the game in 2004 his battles with alcohol and mental health have been well documented but these should not form the basis of speculation about the cause of death which will be determined at postmortem investigation.
“This is an immensely difficult period for us all whilst we try to come to terms with our bereavement, and we would therefore much appreciate consideration for our privacy by media and cricket followers alike.” There will be no further comment from the family, at this stage.
Following the news, Group Chairman, Rod Bransgrove OBE, said: “Robin Smith is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of all time Hampshire Cricket heroes. He was a batsman of awesome power and control and amongst the most courageous players this club has ever seen - especially against bowling of real pace.
“But more than all of that, Robin embodied the spirit of Hampshire. He loved playing for his county and rushed back from many of his 62 Test Matches and 71 ODIs to join his county team to play Championship or List ‘A’ fixtures with relish. His averages, of 44 in Test Matches and 39 in ODIs, suggest that this enthusiasm for County Cricket did not affect performances for his country and demonstrated a club commitment rarely seen these days.
“More than anything, The Judge connected with everyone he came into contact with. He was one of the most popular players ever to play the game we all love, and he will be hugely missed by players, members, staff and supporters - not only in Hampshire, but throughout the country and beyond.
“Finally, Robin was one of my closest personal friends. My family and I are all devastated by his loss. At one with so many friends of Hampshire Cricket and cricket generally, we have Harrison, Margaux, Kippy, Julie and Karen uppermost in our thoughts at this tragic time.”