Follow UsFormer England and Hampshire County Cricket Club stalwart Robin Smith has died at the age of 62. The club confirmed on December 2 (Tuesday) that Smith passed away unexpectedly at his home in Perth, Australia. His family issued a statement saying, “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.”
Smith, born in Durban, South Africa, in 1963, represented England in 62 Test matches between 1988 and 1996, scoring 4,236 runs at an average of 43.67, including nine centuries. He also featured in 71 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for England, in a career that made him one of the most formidable middle-order batters of his era. Known by the nickname “The Judge,” Smith was widely acclaimed for his fearless batting and particular strength against pace bowling, often using a trademark square cut to dispatch fast bowlers.
Tributes poured in from across the cricket world. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chair 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.”
Beyond his international exploits, Smith had a long and celebrated domestic career with Hampshire, where he earned immense respect and was considered among the county’s greatest ever players. Colleagues, admirers and institutions have extended condolences to his family, honouring his legacy on and off the field.