Former England cricket star Robin Smith dies at 62

Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
1M ago
Robin Smith, a celebrated England cricketer, has passed away at 62. His legacy includes impressive batting records and struggles with mental health.
Former England cricket star Robin Smith dies at 62
A What happened
Robin Smith, a prominent figure in English cricket, has died at the age of 62, as confirmed by his former club Hampshire. Smith was known for his aggressive batting style, particularly against fast bowlers, and played 62 Tests and 71 one-day internationals for England, achieving 13 centuries. His batting average of 43.67 in Tests was the highest among his contemporaries when he was dropped in 1996. Smith's legacy includes memorable performances, such as scoring 175 against the West Indies in 1994. Despite his cricketing success, he struggled with depression and alcoholism after retiring. His passing has left a significant impact on the cricket community, with tributes highlighting his contributions and resilience.

Key insights

  • 1

    Legacy of a Great Batsman: Smith was known for his powerful hitting and resilience against fast bowlers.

  • 2

    Struggles After Retirement: He faced significant challenges with depression and alcoholism post-career.

  • 3

    Memorable Performances: Smith scored 175 against the West Indies and 167 against Australia in ODIs.

Takeaways

Robin Smith's passing marks the end of an era for English cricket. His contributions to the sport and his personal battles resonate with many.

Topics

Health & Medicine Mental Health Entertainment Celebrities Sports Cricket

Stay ahead with OwlBrief

Daily briefs that distill the world’s important events — clear, verified, and designed for understanding.

Newsletter

Get OwlBrief in your inbox

A fast, high-signal digest of the day’s most important events — plus the context that makes them make sense.

Quick to read. Useful all day.