Former England cricketer Robin Smith has died at the age of 62, his family has announced.
Smith played 62 Test matches and 71 one-day internationals for England between 1988 and 1996. He was part of the team that finished runners-up at the 1992 Cricket World Cup.
“It is with the deepest sadness and sense of loss that we must announce the passing of Robin Arnold Smith, beloved father of Harrison and Margaux and beloved brother of Christopher,” the Smith family said in a statement.
“Robin passed away suddenly in her South Perth apartment on Monday, December 1. The cause of death is unknown at this time.”
Born in Durban, South Africa, Smith moved to England in 1983 to play for Hampshire. Seventeen years later, at the age of 40, he retired from cricket, having scored 18,984 runs for the county and established his reputation as a great Hampshire player.
In a statement, Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove described Smith as “one of the greatest, if not the greatest, heroes of Hampshire cricket”.
Smith made his England debut five years after moving to Hampshire and averaged 43.67 in Test cricket, making a record of 28 fifties and nine centuries. His highest score was 175 against the West Indies in 1994, when the pace attack was feared at the time.
Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Judge’, Smith’s top ODI score of 167 not out against Australia in 1993 remained England’s record for 23 years, until Alex Hales’ 171 against Pakistan in 2016.
Smith is known for his powerful batting, especially from the back foot, and his formidable cut shots have become legendary.
ECB chairman Richard Thompson said: “Robin Smith was a player who stood shoulder to shoulder with the world’s fastest bowlers and braved the curse of hostile fast bowling with a defiant smile and incredible resilience. He did it in a way that gave England fans immense pride and was no short of entertainment.”
“He was a batsman ahead of his time, epitomized by his unforgettable unbeaten 167 off 163 balls in an ODI against Australia at Edgbaston in 1993.
“We are very saddened to learn of his passing. All of us in cricket are thinking of his friends, family and loved ones.”
Just two weeks ago, Smith accepted an invitation from coach Andrew Flintoff to meet with England Lions representatives during a tour match at Perth’s Lilac Hill.
Since retiring from cricket in 2004, Smith has struggled with his mental health and alcoholism.
The family added in a statement: “His struggles with alcohol and mental health are well documented, but these should not be the basis for speculation about the cause of death as determined by the post mortem.”
“This is a very difficult time for all of us as we all come to terms with bereavement, so we greatly appreciate the media and cricket fans for respecting our privacy.”
