Robin Smith, Former England Batting Great, Dies Aged 62: Cricket World Mourns
The cricketing world is in mourning following the sudden death of former England batting legend Robin Smith, who passed away on 1 December 2025 at his home in Perth, Australia, aged 62. The news was confirmed by his former county club, Hampshire County Cricket Club.
Born in Durban, South Africa, Smith moved to England, where he forged a distinguished international career between 1988 and 1996. Over 62 Test matches, he scored 4,236 runs at an average of 43.67, including nine centuries.
In ODIs, he appeared in 71 games and amassed 2,419 runs, with his unbeaten 167 against Australia at Edgbaston in 1993 - at the time a record for England and still remembered by fans.
Nicknamed “The Judge” because his curly hair resembled a judge’s wig, Smith was celebrated for his fearless stroke play and his trademark square cut.
In an era dominated by ferocious pace-bowling - especially from the West Indies, Australia and other sides - Smith was one of the few English batsmen who stood firm with grit and grace.
One of his most memorable Test innings came in 1994 in Antigua, where he scored a gutsy 175 against the formidable West Indies pace attack, showing class under pressure.
Beyond his international success, he was a stalwart for Hampshire - playing for them from 1982 to 2003, captaining between 1998 and 2002, and earning legendary status in county cricket.
After retirement, his life was marked by personal struggles. Smith openly battled depression and alcohol addiction - difficulties that have been widely documented in recent years.
Despite these hardships, he had recently reconnected with the cricket community: reports say he met with the second-string squad England Lions in Perth just weeks ago ahead of the current Ashes tour, offering guidance and support to younger players.
Tributes have since poured in from across the cricketing world. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) described him as “a batter ahead of his time,” praising his courage and elegance against fast bowling, and remembering his 167-not-out as one of England’s most iconic ODI innings.
Hampshire’s chairman lauded him as among the greatest ever to wear the club’s colours - a player of “awesome power and control,” especially against genuine pace.
As the community awaits the results of a post-mortem to determine cause of death, the mood is one of shock and sorrow. For fans, former teammates, and cricket lovers worldwide, the loss of Robin Smith is not just the loss of a former batsman - it is the loss of a fearless spirit who once stood firm when many faltered.
In remembering Robin “The Judge” Smith, we recall daring square cuts, defiant centuries, unwavering courage - and above all, a man who loved the game and gave everything he had. May he rest in peace.
Born in Durban, South Africa, Smith moved to England, where he forged a distinguished international career between 1988 and 1996. Over 62 Test matches, he scored 4,236 runs at an average of 43.67, including nine centuries.
In ODIs, he appeared in 71 games and amassed 2,419 runs, with his unbeaten 167 against Australia at Edgbaston in 1993 - at the time a record for England and still remembered by fans.
Nicknamed “The Judge” because his curly hair resembled a judge’s wig, Smith was celebrated for his fearless stroke play and his trademark square cut.
In an era dominated by ferocious pace-bowling - especially from the West Indies, Australia and other sides - Smith was one of the few English batsmen who stood firm with grit and grace.
One of his most memorable Test innings came in 1994 in Antigua, where he scored a gutsy 175 against the formidable West Indies pace attack, showing class under pressure.
Beyond his international success, he was a stalwart for Hampshire - playing for them from 1982 to 2003, captaining between 1998 and 2002, and earning legendary status in county cricket.
After retirement, his life was marked by personal struggles. Smith openly battled depression and alcohol addiction - difficulties that have been widely documented in recent years.
Despite these hardships, he had recently reconnected with the cricket community: reports say he met with the second-string squad England Lions in Perth just weeks ago ahead of the current Ashes tour, offering guidance and support to younger players.
Tributes have since poured in from across the cricketing world. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) described him as “a batter ahead of his time,” praising his courage and elegance against fast bowling, and remembering his 167-not-out as one of England’s most iconic ODI innings.
Hampshire’s chairman lauded him as among the greatest ever to wear the club’s colours - a player of “awesome power and control,” especially against genuine pace.
As the community awaits the results of a post-mortem to determine cause of death, the mood is one of shock and sorrow. For fans, former teammates, and cricket lovers worldwide, the loss of Robin Smith is not just the loss of a former batsman - it is the loss of a fearless spirit who once stood firm when many faltered.
In remembering Robin “The Judge” Smith, we recall daring square cuts, defiant centuries, unwavering courage - and above all, a man who loved the game and gave everything he had. May he rest in peace.
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