'Brave and dashing': Family's tribute to cricketer Robin Smith

Former England cricketer Robin Smith has died aged 62.

The batter, who was one of England's most popular cricketers in the 1990s, passed away "unexpectedly at his South Perth apartment" on Monday, his family said in a statement.

The cause of his death is at present unknown, his family added.

Smith played 62 Test matches for England, finishing his international career in 1996.

South African-born Smith was part of the England squad which finished as runners-up at the 1992 Cricket World Cup.

Smith's family said in a statement: "A brave and dashing batsman, he excelled both for Hampshire and his adopted country, collecting legions of admirers and friends along the way.

"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."

Read more from Sky News:
OBR chief resigns after budget leak investigation
'I was busking - what a man did to me left me horrified'

Smith, affectionately known as The Judge, played for Hampshire across 21 years between 1982 and 2003, captaining the county between 1998 and 2002.

His one-day international (ODI) top score of 167 not out, against Australia in 1993, stood as an England record for 23 years until Alex Hales scored 171 against Pakistan in 2016.

Smith averaged 43.67 in Test cricket, hitting 28 50s and nine centuries, with his top score of 175 coming in Antigua in 1994 against West Indies and their feared pace attack of that era - a match best remembered for Brian Lara's then world record score of 375 not out.

Following the news, former England captain and Sky Sports commentator Nasser Hussain told the broadcaster he has "fond memories of a fine player - of all types of bowling - but especially fast bowling".

He added: "There was no better sight than watching him [Smith] taking on a fast bowler. He had no fear in him at all when facing the quicks. He didn't wear a grille or a visor, he just wore that helmet, ducking and diving out of the way, swaying.

"I don't think any batters cut the ball better than Robin Smith. He took them [fast bowlers] on. England fans loved him. All our thoughts are with his family."

Mike Atherton, who captained Smith for England, said he was "quite shy" away from the field, but "the life and soul of the party, a very, very popular teammate, someone who would do anything for you".

Rod Bransgrove, the chairman of Hampshire County Cricket Club, said: "Robin Smith is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of all time Hampshire Cricket heroes.

"He was a batsman of awesome power and control, and amongst the most courageous players this club has ever seen - especially against bowling of real pace."

Jack Russell, who played with Smith for England in the 1990s, paid tribute to him on X, saying he was "one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet".

Mr Bransgrove went on to say: "More than anything, The Judge connected with everyone he came into contact with.

"He was one of the most popular players ever to play the game we all love, and he will be hugely missed by players, members, staff and supporters - not only in Hampshire, but throughout the country and beyond."

In the years since his retirement from cricket in 2004, Smith spoke of his struggles with mental health and addiction to alcohol.

England's cricket administrator reacted to news of Smith's death, saying: "Everyone at the England & Wales Cricket Board is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Robin Smith.

"An England and Hampshire legend," the post on X said.

(c) Sky News 2025: 'Brave and dashing': Family's tribute to cricketer Robin Smith