Former England cricketer Robin Smith has died unexpectedly at age 62 in his South Perth apartment, Hampshire announced Tuesday. The South African-born batsman played 62 Tests for England between 1988 and 1996. Smith’s family described him as a “beloved father” and “cherished brother,” expressing profound sadness at his passing.
Nicknamed “The Judge,” Smith scored 4,236 Test runs, including nine centuries, at an average of 43.67. In 71 one-day internationals, he accumulated 2,419 runs at 39.01. He was renowned for his courage against fast bowling and his charismatic presence on the field.
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Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove called Smith “one of the greatest Hampshire cricket heroes,” praising his power, control, and bravery. England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson highlighted Smith’s resilience and iconic performances, including his unbeaten 167 from 163 balls against Australia in 1993.
Smith had recently met the England Lions squad in Perth ahead of the Ashes, invited by coach Andrew Flintoff. His family urged that his struggles with alcohol and mental health not be speculated upon regarding his cause of death, which will be determined by postmortem.
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Smith left a lasting legacy as a daring and admired batsman, both for Hampshire and England. Tributes have poured in from fans and cricket authorities around the world, celebrating his skill, courage, and impact on the game.