Renowned England cricket icon Robin Smith has passed away at the age of 62. The former batsman, known for his exceptional career in Test cricket, died while in Australia for the Ashes series. The sad news was disclosed by Smith’s close friend and ex-teammate, Kevan James, on BBC Radio Solent.

Throughout his life, Smith courageously battled health issues, openly discussing his struggles with alcoholism and depression. The exact cause of his passing remains undisclosed.

Smith, also referred to as ‘The Judge’, was a talented right-handed batsman who debuted for England in 1988 against the West Indies. Notably, he recorded two centuries during the subsequent Ashes series. His highest Test score of 175 was achieved in response to Brian Lara’s then-record-breaking innings of 375 in Antigua. In his Test career, Smith amassed 4,236 runs at an average of 43.67, inclusive of nine centuries.

In addition to his Test achievements, Smith participated in 71 one-day internationals, contributing significantly to England’s journey to the 1992 World Cup final. His stellar performance of 167 not out against Australia in 1993 stood as England’s highest ODI score until 2016.

Despite retiring from international cricket in 1996, Smith continued to play for Hampshire until 2003, completing 21 seasons with the club. He is fondly remembered as one of Hampshire’s finest players in history.

Following his retirement, Smith faced ongoing challenges with alcoholism and depression. He experienced setbacks, particularly after the recent loss of his father. In a recent interview with The Times, Smith candidly acknowledged his struggles and expressed a desire for openness and seeking support during tough times.

Robin Smith’s legacy in cricket and his personal battles serve as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and seeking help when needed.