‘He embodied the spirit of Hampshire’ – Rod Bransgrove’s tribute to county legend Robin Smith
Rod Bransgrove has paid an emotional tribute to Robin Smith, describing him as ‘the greatest of all time Hampshire Cricket heroes.’
He had battled anxiety, depression and alcohol addiction for many years, after retiring from playing in 2003.
During a 21-year Hampshire career, Smith scored 18,984 first-class runs, including 49 hundreds, and 12,034 one-day runs, with 23 centuries.
Born in South Africa, he ended up playing 62 Tests for his adopted country from 1988-1996, scoring 4,236 runs with nine centuries.
Former Hampshire chairman Bransgrove 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.’
A family statement read: ‘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 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.
‘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.’
Smith recently attended the first Ashes Test in Perth, while he also spoke with the England Lions team at the request of coach Andrew Flintoff.
The news of his death came less than a fortnight after Smith had given an interview to the Daily Mail, claiming he had gone within minutes of losing his life after struggling with drinking.
Smith has a permanent place at Hampshire’s Utilita Bowl, the Robin Smith Suite, situated in the pavilion end of the ground. Further plans to remember him will be announced by the club in due course.