Former England batter Robin Smith, known for facing the world’s fastest bowlers in the 1980s and 1990s, died aged 62 at his home in Perth on Monday 1 December. Hampshire and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have expressed their deep sadness at the sudden passing of the former cricketer.
Smith played international cricket for England between 1988 and 1996. He played 62 Test matches and 71 ODIs and was also part of the England team that reached the final of the 1992 Cricket World Cup. Smith scored 4,236 runs in Tests at an average of 43.67, including nine centuries, with a top score of 175 runs.
Former England batsman Robin Smith dies aged 62 in Perth
Robin Smith’s family have acknowledged he suffered from alcohol and mental health problems after retiring in 2004. However, they have urged people not to speculate about the cause of his death. They have requested privacy from the media and fans as they deal with their loss.
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“A courageous and dashing batsman, he excelled for both Hampshire and his adopted home, amassing legions of admirers and friends along the way,” Smith’s family said in a statement.
“Since his retirement from football in 2004, his problems with alcohol and mental health have been well documented, but these should not form the basis for speculation about the cause of death, which will be determined at autopsy.
“This is an extremely difficult time for us all as we try to come to terms with our grief, and so we would very much appreciate the media and cricket fans taking our privacy into consideration.”
Hampshire and the ECB have confirmed that former batsman Robin Smith died suddenly at his Perth apartment on Monday. Incredible news, considering he was on test last week and speaking with the England Lions. Cause of death currently unknown.
– Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) December 2, 2025
Robin Smith recalled for some memorable performances
Robin Smith is remembered for his memorable performances, including a famous 175 against the West Indies in 1994. He played against one of the fiercest pace attacks in cricket history. In 1993 at Edgbaston, he also scored an unbeaten 167 in an ODI against Australia.
The knock remained England’s highest ODI score for 23 years until Alex Hales broke the record in 2016. After retiring, Smith spoke about his battles with alcoholism, which he detailed in his 2019 autobiography, The Judge: More Than Just A Game.
Just weeks before his death, he attended the first Ashes Test in Perth. He also spent time with the England Lions team at Lilac Hill, sharing stories and experiences with the players after being invited by head coach Andrew Flintoff.
The England and Wales Cricket Board is deeply saddened by the death of Robin Smith
The England and Wales Cricket Board have released an official statement mourning the death of Robin Smith. They described him as a legend for both England and Hampshire. The board of directors expressed its deep sadness at his passing and paid tribute to him.
“Everyone at the England & Wales Cricket Board is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Robin Smith. An England and Hampshire legend. Rest in peace, judge ❤,” wrote England Cricket on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Everyone at the England & Wales Cricket Board is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Robin Smith.
A legend of England and Hampshire.
Rest in peace, judge ❤
– England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 2, 2025
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