England Legend Dies after 1st Ashes 2025-26 Test in Perth; Cricket world in shock
Published - 02 Dec 2025, 05:01 PM | Updated - 02 Dec 2025, 05:05 PM
Former England batter Robin Smith, known for facing the world’s fastest bowlers during the 1980s and 1990s, passed away at the age of 62 at his home in Perth on Monday, December 1. Hampshire and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) expressed deep sadness at the former cricketer’s sudden death.
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 side 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 best score of 175 runs.
Former England Batter Robin Smith Passes Away at 62 in Perth
Robin Smith’s family acknowledged that he had struggled with alcohol and mental health issues after retiring in 2004. However, they urged people not to speculate about the cause of his death. They requested privacy from the media and fans as they cope with their loss.
"A brave and dashing batsman, he excelled both for Hampshire and his adopted country collecting legions of admirers and friends along the way," Smith's family said in a statement.
"Since his retirement from the game in 2004, his battles with alcohol and mental health have been well documented but these should not form the basis of speculation about the cause of death, which will be determined at postmortem investigation.
"This is an immensely difficult period for us all whilst we try to come to terms with our bereavement, and we would therefore much appreciate consideration for our privacy by media and cricket followers alike.”
Hampshire and the ECB have confirmed that the former batsman Robin Smith died unexpectedly at his Perth apartment on Monday. Unbelievable news, given he was at the Test last week and speaking with England Lions. Cause of death currently unknown.
— Will Macpherson (@willis_macp) December 2, 2025
Robin Smith Remembered for Some Memorable Performances
Robin Smith is remembered for some memorable performances, including a famous 175 against the West Indies in 1994. He played the knock 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.
That 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 passing, he attended the first Ashes Test in Perth. He also spent time with the England Lions squad at Lilac Hill, sharing stories and experiences with the players after being invited by head coach Andrew Flintoff.
England & Wales Cricket Board Deeply Saddened by the Passing of Robin Smith
The England and Wales Cricket Board released an official statement mourning the death of Robin Smith. They described him as a legend for both England and Hampshire. The board expressed deep sadness at his passing and paid tribute to him.
"Everyone at the England & Wales Cricket Board is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Robin Smith. An England and Hampshire legend. Rest in peace, Judge ❤," England Cricket wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Everyone at the England & Wales Cricket Board is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Robin Smith.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 2, 2025
An England and Hampshire legend.
Rest in peace, Judge ❤
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Robin Smith England And Wales Cricket Board (ECB) England National Cricket Team Andrew Flintoff Australia National Cricket Team The Ashes England vs Australia Australia vs EnglandAbout the Author
Sai Vaitla is an author at Cricketaddictor and he has been working since September 2022. Sai Vaitla...
