Robin Smith, former England batter, passes away at 62: Cricket world pays tribute

Robin Smith, former England batsman, has died at the age of 62, leaving the cricket world in mourning.

The family issued the statement related to the death of Smith, “It is with the deepest and most profound sense of sadness and loss that we must announce the passing of Robin Arnold Smith, beloved father of Harrison and Margaux and cherished brother of Christopher.”

“Robin died unexpectedly at his South Perth apartment on Monday 1st December. The cause of his death is at present unknown,” the statement added.

Robin rose to the pinnacle of success as one of England’s most popular and iconic players. He was also known as “The Judge” due to his captaincy of Hampshire from 1998 to 2002.

His excellent guidance helped Hampshire to win the Benson & Hedges Cup in 1998 and 1992, and the NatWest Trophy in 1991.

Being a reliable and strong middle-order batsman, he played in 62 test matches and 71 one-day internationals from 1988 to 1996. He was spectacular against fast bowling and his best test score was 175 against West Indies in 1994.

Smith also made 4236 test runs overall at an average of 43.67, which also included 9 centuries.

Following the death of Smith, the cricket world including his teammates paid a heartfelt tribute.

Kevan James, his former Hampshire teammate, said, “It’s been horrible. It’s a sad day, but when you look at someone’s career… At the time, in the 80s and 90s, he was England’s best batter.

He continued, “He was a super player, particularly of fast bowling in an era where the West Indies had all these fast bowlers. He was one of the few England batters who stood up to them and basically gave as good as he got.”

The ECB chairman, Richard Thompson also paid tribute, “Robin Smith was a player who stood toe to toe with some of the quickest bowlers in the world, meeting spells of hostile fast bowling with a defiant smile and an incredible resilience.”

Chairman Rod Bransgrove wrote, "Robin Smith is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of all time Hampshire cricket heroes.”