Former England cricket star Robin Smith has sadly passed away at the age of 62 while in Australia for the Ashes series. The news of his death was shared by his close friend and former Hampshire teammate, Kevan James, on BBC Radio Solent.
Smith, who had openly discussed his struggles with alcohol and depression, had been battling health issues. He recently attended the Ashes Test in Perth where he reunited with former England teammates Graham Gooch, David Gower, and Allan Lamb.
Known as ‘The Judge,’ Smith, a right-handed batsman, made his Test debut in 1988 against the West Indies. He scored two centuries during the Ashes series the following summer, with his highest Test score of 175 coming in response to Brian Lara’s record-breaking innings of 375 in Antigua.
In addition to his Test career, Smith played 71 one-day internationals for England and was part of the team that reached the World Cup final in 1992. Despite retiring from international cricket in 1996, he continued to play for Hampshire until 2003, earning a reputation as one of the county’s greatest players.
Despite his cricketing success, Smith faced personal challenges after retirement, including battles with alcoholism and depression. In a recent interview, he candidly admitted the ongoing struggles he faced and the importance of seeking support during tough times.
Robin Smith’s legacy as a talented cricketer and his courage in sharing his personal struggles will be remembered by cricket fans worldwide.