News of Robin Smith’s death hit the cricketing world like a nasty bouncer that no one saw coming. Fans were still sharing clips of that thunderous square cut when the message arrived from Perth: the beloved former England cricketer, known universally as the Judge, had died unexpectedly at 62. For many of us, it wasn’t merely sports news. It felt as though someone had dimmed a light we didn’t realise we depended on.

The Battles Behind the Bravery

For all the courage the Judge showed in facing down fearsome fast bowlers, his toughest opponents came long after he hung up his bat. Long before Robin Smith’s death, he had spoken frankly about the demons that shadowed him after retirement—depression, alcoholism, and a crippling lack of self-belief. In his autobiography, he revealed without altering a syllable:

“The Judge was a fearless warrior; Robin Arnold Smith was a frantic worrier.”

Only last week, he admitted: “If I’m going to be really honest, yeah (it did deteriorate then),” when asked whether things worsened after being dropped in 1996. Alcohol consumed a brutal chunk of his life; he once drank a bottle of vodka a day for twelve years. He recalled that doctors told his family he had “a five per cent chance of walking out” during a seven-month hospital stay. And yet, recently, he seemed to be climbing back. He was out at the first Ashes Test in Perth, smiling with old mates, chatting to Andrew Flintoff’s group, and sounding hopeful about his ongoing recovery. Perhaps that’s why Robin Smith’s death feels even more shocking. The cause remains unknown.

Growing Up ‘Judgie’

To understand why he meant so much to so many, it’s worth remembering where he started. Born in Durban in 1963 to British parents, Smith grew up in a household practically engineered for sport. His parents even bought the house next door, knocked it down, and built a cricket net, complete with a bowling machine, where he and his older brother Chris trained under Barry Richards and Grayson Heath.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of legendary batter Robin Smith.

Known as ‘The Judge’, Smith played over 600 times for Hampshire and scored over 30,000 runs for the club in a career that spanned more than 20 years.

Our thoughts are with his family and… pic.twitter.com/eEB715R3pr

— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) December 2, 2025

His famous nickname, the Judge, began as a playful jab at his curly hair, which looked suspiciously like a barrister’s wig. But the name stuck, and eventually became part of his cricketing legend. Yet Smith later admitted the persona could feel like a mask: “People know Judgie as Judgie, and I’m Robin. Robin Smith.” Even so, teammates adored the man, and opponents respected the batsman. By the time he moved to England and joined Hampshire, it was clear the former England cricketer was destined for something special.

Breaking Through and Standing Tall

Smith’s rise through county cricket wasn’t instant, largely because he was classified as an overseas player while waiting for England qualification. But the moment chances appeared, he made them count—hammering Second XI bowlers so hard that the club complained about replacing lost balls. Once he became England-qualified in 1985, the selectors couldn’t ignore him.

‘Fearless against the fast bowlers, but we’ll all remember Robin the person as well’ ❤️

Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain pay tribute to their former team-mate Robin Smith, who has died at the age of 62. pic.twitter.com/G3wF0TTSDM

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) December 2, 2025

His Test debut at Headingley in 1988 came during one of England’s most chaotic eras. Yet chaos never seemed to rattle the Judge. Sent in against a ruthless West Indies pace attack led by his friend Malcolm Marshall, he calmly posted 38 and shared a century stand with Allan Lamb. From then on, he became a cornerstone of England’s batting during a decade defined by short balls, hostile crowds, and rotating captains.

Vale Robin Smith 😢😢Here he scores his first Test century, 143 against Australia during the 4th Test at Manchester 1989. That cut shot was a thing of beauty. Gone way too soon 💔💔Thoughts with his family, friends and former teammates. pic.twitter.com/BloUN89d82

— From Ashes to Archive (@ashestoarchive) December 2, 2025

His maiden Test century—143 against Australia in Manchester—was pure theatre. And then came Edgbaston 1993: that unbeaten 167, an innings that stood as England’s ODI record for 23 years. Whether taking on Caribbean short-pitched bowling or exchanging words with Merv Hughes, the former England cricketer always responded with equal force and a grin.

A Career of Highs, Lows, and Underrated Brilliance

Despite over 4,000 Test runs at an average above 43, the notion that he struggled against spin haunted him. Shane Warne, in particular, tilted the selection debate in 1993. Ironically, Warne later became one of Smith’s closest friends and even joined Hampshire partly because of him.

Very sad news.

Robin Smith has died aged 62.

Smith played 62 Test matches for England, as well as making over 600 appearances for Hampshire.

Rest peacefully, Robin. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/89NMOS0uVd

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) December 2, 2025

By 1996, England’s management wanted “a new generation,” and Smith was pushed aside, even though only David Gower and Graham Thorpe averaged more among his contemporaries. He carried on brilliantly for Hampshire, adding to the 26,000 first-class runs in his career, but the England recall he longed for never came. Eventually, cricket ended—yet the personal battles were only beginning. Those who knew him often said the same thing: for all his power and presence, he struggled to believe in himself. Even so, he made everyone around him feel stronger.

The Final Week and a Lasting Legacy

Only days before Robin Smith’s death, he looked upbeat—happy, even. He had greeted old friends at the Perth Test, spoken openly to the media about his recovery, and was looking forward to watching more Ashes cricket from home. His family’s statement after his passing described him as “a brave and dashing batsman,” and pleaded for privacy while the cause of death is determined.

Everyone at the England & Wales Cricket Board is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Robin Smith.

An England and Hampshire legend.

Rest in peace, Judge ❤

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 2, 2025

But for cricket lovers, the Judge is not a figure who fades. We remember the fearless square cut on the front foot, the grin beneath the blue helmet without a visor, and the sheer refusal to be intimidated by the quickest bowlers in the world. And we remember the vulnerability he finally shared with us, proof that even heroes carry invisible burdens. So while the world mourns Robin Smith’s death, we also celebrate a man who gave fans pride, gave bowlers nightmares, and gave far more to the game than he ever believed.