Tributes have poured in for Robin Smith following the ex-England and Hampshire cricketer’s death.
Smith’s family confirmed in a statement that the legendary former batter had died unexpectedly at his apartment in South Perth, Australia on Monday at the age of 62, with a cause of death yet to be established.
Known widely by his nickname ‘The Judge’, because of a hairstyle during his earlier career that was compared to a judge’s wig, the South Africa-born Smith played in 62 total Tests for England after making his debut in 1988.
He also featured in 71 ODIs, forming part of the squad that reached the World Cup final in 1992, and scored over 6,500 runs in international cricket, plus more than 30,000 during a 21-year county career as a Hampshire icon.
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 ❤
The Smith family paid tribute to a “beloved father and cherished brother”, one of England’s “most charismatic and popular players”, and a “brave and dashing batsman” who “collected legions of admirers and friends” during his illustrious career that ended with his retirement from first-class cricket in 2003.
The ECB described Smith as “one of the greatest players of fast bowling England have ever had” and his “fearsome cut shot the thing of legend”.
Read more: Robin Smith - 'Judge' whose fearless batting delivered its own lasting verdict
ECB chair Richard Thompson said: “Robin Smith was a player who stood toe to toe with some of the quickest bowlers in the world, meeting spells of hostile fast bowling with a defiant smile and an incredible resilience.
“He did so in a way that gave England fans enormous pride, and no shortage of entertainment.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of legendary batter Robin Smith.
— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) December 2, 2025
Known as 'The Judge', Smith played over 600 times for Hampshire and scored over 30,000 runs for the club in a career that spanned more than 20 years.
Our thoughts are with his family and… pic.twitter.com/eEB715R3pr
“He was a batter ahead of his time which was typified in that unforgettable unbeaten 167 from 163 balls in an ODI against Australia at Edgbaston in 1993.
“His record at Hampshire is exemplary, and he’ll be remembered rightly as a great of Hampshire CCC. We’re desperately sad to learn of his passing, and the thoughts of all of us in cricket are with his friends, family and loved ones.”
Hampshire also paid tribute to the “legendary” Smith, who was previously described by the club’s chair Rod Bransgrove as the most influential player they had ever had.
'Fearless against the fast bowlers, but we'll all remember Robin the person as well' ❤️
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) December 2, 2025
Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain pay tribute to their former team-mate Robin Smith, who has died at the age of 62. pic.twitter.com/G3wF0TTSDM
Former England team-mates Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain also paid heartfelt tribute to Smith on Sky Sports, with Hussain remembering an “outstanding player of all types of bowling, but especially fast bowling”.
He said: “There was no better sight than watching Judge take on an opposition fast bowler. He had no fear in him at all... He took them on, England fans loved him.
“He was such a lovely man.”
Atherton said: “As a cricketer, he gave this impression of an extremely strong, tough batter, which he was, but off the field he was quite shy actually.
“But the life and soul of the party, very, very popular team-mate, somebody who would do anything for you. Exceptionally popular guy.
“He was the kind of guy who gave everything for the team. A lovely guy, wonderful player, it’s desperate news.”
Heartbreaking to hear about the tragic loss of Robin Smith!
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) December 2, 2025
Always have the fondest memories of The Judge!
My heart goes out to his entire family and friendship group. ❤️
Former England and Hampshire star Kevin Pietersen wrote on X: “Heartbreaking to hear about the tragic loss of Robin Smith! Always have the fondest memories of The Judge! My heart goes out to his entire family and friendship group.”
RIP Judge … My hero x
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 2, 2025
Ex-England captain Michael Vaughan wrote: “RIP Judge … My hero x.”
Robin Smith one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet Would do anything for you Hard as nails What a player Played quick bowling as well as anyone Had the hardest square cut in the business along side G Greenidge #RIP My Friend Rest easy now
— Jack Russell MBE (@jackrussellart) December 2, 2025
Former England wicketkeeper Jack Russell wrote: “Robin Smith, one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Would do anything for you. Hard as nails. What a player. Played quick bowling as well as anyone. Had the hardest square cut in the business along side G Greenidge #RIP My Friend. Rest easy now.”
Sad to hear of Robin Smith’s death at 62. Judgey, as we called him was a sensitive soul in a tough man’s body, so felt the ups & downs of sport & life more acutely than most. Everyone loved him but maybe that caused him to sabotage the relationships that mattered most- RIP mate
— Derek Pringle (@derekpringle) December 2, 2025
Ex-England all-rounder Derek Pringle wrote: “Sad to hear of Robin Smith’s death at 62. Judgey, as we called him was a sensitive soul in a tough man’s body, so felt the ups & downs of sport & life more acutely than most.
“Everyone loved him but maybe that caused him to sabotage the relationships that mattered most- RIP mate.”
