Former England batter Robin Smith dies aged 62

NEW DELHI: Former England cricketer Robin Smith has passed away at the age of 62, Hampshire announced on Tuesday. Smith, who was born in South Africa and represented England in 62 Tests between 1988 and 1996, died unexpectedly on Monday in Australia, where he had been residing, according to his family.


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"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," the family said in a statement shared by Hampshire Cricket.



"Robin died unexpectedly at his South Perth apartment on Monday 1st December. The cause of his death is at present unknown."

Nicknamed "The Judge," Smith had recently spent time with the England Lions squad in Perth ahead of the first Ashes Test after receiving an invitation from coach Andrew Flintoff.

"Robin rose to fame as one of England's most charismatic and popular players," his family added.

"A brave and dashing batsman, he excelled both for Hampshire and his adopted country collecting legions of admirers and friends along the way."

They also urged sensitivity surrounding the circumstances of his passing, saying: "Since his retirement from the game in 2004 his battles with alcohol and mental health have been well documented but these should not form the basis of speculation about the cause of death which will be determined at postmortem investigation."

During his international career, Smith amassed 4,236 Test runs at an impressive average of 43.67, including nine centuries. He also recorded 2,419 runs in 71 ODIs, averaging 39.01.

Paying tribute, Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said: "Robin Smith is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of all time Hampshire cricket heroes.

"He was a batsman of awesome power and control and amongst the most courageous players this club has ever seen -- especially against bowling of real pace."

The England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson echoed the admiration: "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.

"He did so in a way that gave England fans enormous pride, and no shortage of entertainment.

"He was a batter ahead of his time which was typified in that unforgettable unbeaten 167 from 163 balls in a one-day international against Australia at Edgbaston in 1993."


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