Robin Smith, former England cricket star, dies at 62
Robin Smith, one of England’s most celebrated batsmen of the modern era, has died at the age of 62, reports BritPanorama.
His death was confirmed early this morning in Australia by close friend and former Hampshire teammate Kevan James, who became emotional while announcing the news live on BBC Radio Solent. “It’s been horrible,” James stated. “It was happening as I was reading out some sports news. At the time, in the 80s and 90s, he was England’s best batter.”
Tributes have already begun to flow in. One fan remarked on social media, “Such sad news. Fantastic player. Fantastic person. One of Hampshire’s greatest ever. RIP Judge.” Another wrote, “Probably my favourite batsman of all time and certainly had the best square cut. RIP.” Known for his ferocious style of batting, Smith was widely admired for his bravery against some of the fastest bowlers. He played 62 Test matches for England until his retirement in 1996.
Despite his competitive spirit, Smith’s life in recent years was not without struggle. Just days before his death, he opened up about his battles with alcoholism and mental health, detailing a near-fatal episode 18 months ago. “I thought I had fully recovered,” Smith had said, reflecting on his setbacks. He acknowledged the ongoing challenges he faced: “Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic. You always battle to keep away from it.”
Beloved by fans, Smith was praised for his uncompromising approach at the crease and remained a crowd favourite throughout his career, earning a reputation as one of the toughest batsmen of his generation. He leaves behind his wife, Kath Smith, and his brother, Chris Smith, who also played for Hampshire and England.
As the cricket community grapples with the loss of a figure so central to its history, Smith’s legacy is bound to spark conversation about the intersection of talent, personal battles, and the enduring impact of sports on lives. The accolades and memories he’ll leave behind serve as both a reminder of his prowess on the field and the very real struggles that athletes can face off it.
