Tributes are flowing in around the cricket world after the devastating death of England great Robin Smith at age 62. Born in South Africa, Smith played 62 Tests for England between 1988 and 1996.
His family released a statement on Tuesday night that Smith had died in Perth, where he lived. The 62-year-old had been living in Western Australia for a number of years, and attended the first Ashes Test in Perth last week. He had met with the England Lions ‘A’ squad in Perth at the invitation of coach Andrew Flintoff.
Robin Smith is a beloved legend of England cricket who lived in Australia. Image: Getty
“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,” his family said in a statement. “Robin died unexpectedly at his South Perth apartment on Monday 1st December. The cause of his death is at present unknown.
“Robin rose to fame as one of England’s most charismatic and popular players. A brave and dashing batsman, he excelled both for Hampshire and his adopted country collecting legions of admirers and friends along the way.
“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. This is an immensely difficult period for us all whilst we try to come to terms with our bereavement, and we would therefore much appreciate consideration for our privacy by media and cricket followers alike.”
Smith scored 4236 runs and nine centuries in Tests for England, at an average of 43.67. He scored 2419 runs in 71 one-day internationals.
Robin Smith is being remembered fondly around the cricket world. Image: Getty
Cricket world pays tribute to Robin Smith
England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson said: “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.”
Former England teammate Jack Russell wrote on social media: “Robin Smith, one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Would do anything for you, hard as nails. What a player. Played quick bowling as well as anyone. Had the hardest square-cut in the business along side G (Gordon) Greenidge. RIP my Friend, rest easy now.”
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His death is also being felt in Australia. Journalists Bharat Sundaresan and Adam Collins said they’d both caught up with Smith in Perth during the first Test, with Sundaresan saying Smith had become ‘family’ to him in recent years.
“Robin Smith’s passing hurts so much,” he wrote. “He became family in the last few years after a chance meeting at the WACA. He was always so full of love and it was destiny that brought us together one last time a week ago in Perth and this was our final chat. Love you Robin. Rest easy my friend.”
Collins wrote: “Devastating. There were tears when he spoke with us just last week but big smiles too. One of the bravest and most gifted players, and strong again telling the world so openly about the shit bits. ‘If anyone listening is struggling, get my number, I’ll be there for you.’ RIP Judgey.”
Aussie legends Mark Waugh, Damien Fleming and Darren Lehmann were among the many to pay tribute on Wednesday. “He popped into the media centre during the Perth Test,” Fleming wrote. “Everyone so happy to see him. Such a tough brave batsman taking on the mighty West Indies and Aussie fast bowling attacks with amazing cut shots. Thoughts with the Smith family.”
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