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Former England batter Robin Smith passes away aged 62
Robin Smith, renowned for his courage against fast bowling and his record-breaking 167 in one-day internationals, has died at the age of 62. The former England and Hampshire batter, who faced some of cricket's most formidable pace attacks, leaves behind a legacy of resilience both on and off the field.
Early life and rise to prominence
Born in Durban, South Africa, in 1963 to British parents, Smith was a sporting prodigy from a young age. His talent was nurtured on a purpose-built cricket pitch at his family's home, where he and his elder brother Chris trained under the guidance of former Natal player Grayson Heath. Smith's early promise was evident when he joined the Natal squad at just 17, though his breakthrough came after moving to England with his brother.
Smith's route into English cricket was shaped by his parents' British heritage, allowing him to qualify for Hampshire despite South Africa's international isolation due to apartheid. After a successful trial in 1981, he was signed by the county, though he had to wait until 1985 to become eligible for England due to residency rules.
England career and signature style
Smith made his England debut in 1988 during a turbulent period for the national team. His fearless approach against fast bowling, particularly his trademark square cut, quickly endeared him to fans. Despite England's struggles, Smith established himself as a key player, forming a formidable partnership with fellow South Africa-born batter Allan Lamb. Their Test partnership average of 79 remains the highest for England since World War II.
His maiden Test century-a commanding 143 against Australia in Manchester-showcased his ability to dominate pace attacks. Smith's bravery was epitomized by his preference for batting without a visor or grille, even against the likes of the West Indies' feared fast bowlers. His unbeaten 167 against Australia in 1993 stood as England's highest ODI score for 23 years.
Challenges and later career
Despite his success, Smith's career was marked by challenges. A shoulder injury hampered his throwing arm, and his struggles against spin bowling, particularly in the 1993 Ashes, became a turning point. Public criticism from England's management, including coach Keith Fletcher and chairman of selectors Ray Illingworth, further eroded his confidence. Dropped for England's 1994-95 Ashes tour, Smith later reflected on the toll of losing his support network when key teammates and coaches departed.
After England's early exit from the 1996 World Cup, Smith's international career ended at 32. He continued playing for Hampshire, captaining the side from 1998 to 2002, but retired in 2003 after being released by the county. His post-cricket life was marred by mental health struggles, alcoholism, and the breakdown of his marriage, which he later detailed in his 2019 autobiography.
Legacy and tributes
Smith's Test average of 43.67 places him among England's most consistent batters of his era, surpassing contemporaries like Graham Gooch and Michael Atherton. Though he never considered himself an all-time great, he took pride in being remembered as a master of pace bowling. His candidness about his off-field battles earned him admiration, reinforcing his place in cricket's collective memory.
"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, in his 2019 autobiography
Survivors include his brother Chris, also a former England cricketer, and his parents, who relocated to Perth, Australia, where Smith spent his later years. Tributes from the cricketing world have highlighted his fearless spirit and enduring impact on the game.
