Robin Smith, one of England’s most celebrated batsmen of the modern era, has died at the age of 62.
News of his death emerged overnight in Australia and was announced publicly this morning by his long-time friend and former Hampshire teammate Kevan James.
James confirmed the news live on BBC Radio Solent, becoming visibly emotional as he delivered the announcement.
“It’s been horrible,” he said. “It was happening as I was reading out some sports news. At the time, in the 80s and 90s, he was England’s best batter.”
“His hair was combed back and curly like a judge’s wig. It was weird, the first time I came across him was before I joined Hampshire.
“This was early 80s and Robin had just arrived from South Africa.
“I got introduced to him by this person who said ‘you will hear a lot more about this bloke, he’s England’s next best thing’.”
Robin Smith pictured with Shane Warne back in 2000
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Tributes have already started to pour in. One X user wrote: “Such sad news. Fantastic player. Fantastic person. One of Hampshire’s greatest ever. RIP Judge.”
A second wrote: “Probably my favourite batsmen of all time and certainly had the best square cut. RIP.”
Another fan penned their tribute, saying: “They say never meet your heroes but this was different. A true Hampshire great loved by all and inspiring to so many. RIP the judge – Heaven welcomes that square cut.”
Robin Smith was known for his ferocious style of batting
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And a fourth said: “Such sad news. I loved watching him play.”
Smith, widely admired for his bravery against the fastest bowlers of his era, represented England in 62 Test matches before bringing his international career to a close in 1996.
Known for his ferocious and uncompromising approach at the crease, he remained a crowd favourite throughout his career and earned a reputation as one of the toughest batsmen of his generation.
Only days before his death, Smith had spoken publicly about the personal battles he had endured in retirement, detailing long-standing struggles with alcoholism and mental health.
He had described a near-fatal episode just 18 months ago, revealing that his family and friends had been warned that he was close to death.
Smith had said: “I thought I had fully recovered.
Tributes have poured in for the England cricket hero
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GETTY“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.”
Smith also saw some of his old England teammates in Perth during the recent Ashes Test between the Three Lions and Australia.
He said they joked that he was ‘back from the death’ due to his health issues, while adding that ‘everyone is keen to see Lazarus.”
Smith leaves behind his wife, Kath Smith, who he married in 1988.
His brother, Chris Smith, also played for Hampshire and England during his own cricket career.
