The cricket world is in mourning following the death of former England batter and Hampshire captain, Robin Smith, at the age of 62.
A Stalwart of English Cricket
The sad news was confirmed on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025, by Smith's former Hampshire teammate, Kevan James, during an emotional radio interview with Solent News. Smith, a formidable right-handed batsman, represented England in 62 Test matches and 71 One-Day Internationals between 1988 and 1996.
In a distinguished Test career, he amassed more than 4,000 runs at an impressive average of 43.67, scoring nine centuries. Born in South Africa, Smith became a beloved figure in English country cricket, leading Hampshire as captain for four seasons.
The Fearless 'Judge' Who Took on the Best
Smith earned the nickname 'The Judge' and was renowned for his courage against fast bowling. His most iconic performance came in 1994 against the West Indies' legendary pace attack. In a display of sheer bravery and skill, he scored a magnificent 175 in Jamaica, an innings celebrated as one of the finest by an English batsman overseas.
Paying a heartfelt tribute, Kevan James described his friend as England's best batter during the late 80s and early 90s. "He was a super player, particularly of fast bowling in an era where the West Indies had all these fast bowlers," James stated. "He was one of the few England batters who stood up to them and basically gave as good as he got."
A Legacy of Courage and Skill
Robin Smith's passing marks the loss of a cricketer whose combative style and technical prowess defined an era for England. His ability to dominate the world's most feared bowling attacks left an indelible mark on the sport. Tributes have poured in from across the global cricket community, honouring a player whose contributions both for England and Hampshire will never be forgotten.
As the news develops, further reflections on his life and career are expected from teammates, rivals, and cricketing bodies. The sport has lost one of its most respected and fearless competitors.
