Former England cricketer Robin Smith dies at 62, remembered as Charismatic Hampshire hero

LONDON (Web Desk) - Former England batsman Robin Smith has passed away at the age of 62, Hampshire County Cricket Club announced on Tuesday.

Born in South Africa, Smith played 62 Test matches for England between 1988 and 1996. He died unexpectedly on Monday at his South Perth apartment in Australia, where he had been living. The cause of death is currently unknown, pending a postmortem investigation.

Nicknamed “The Judge,” Smith was celebrated as a brave and dashing batsman, excelling for both Hampshire and England, and winning widespread admiration for his courage and charisma. Since retiring in 2004, he faced well-documented struggles with alcohol and mental health.

Smith scored 4,236 Test runs at an average of 43.67, including nine centuries, and 2,419 runs at 39.01 in 71 One-Day Internationals. He recently met the England Lions squad in Perth ahead of the Ashes series.

Tributes poured in from cricket authorities: Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove called him “one of Hampshire’s greatest heroes,” while England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson praised Smith’s resilience and entertaining batting style, highlighting his iconic unbeaten 167 from 163 balls against Australia in 1993.