Hampshire Cricket can confirm that Robin Smith has passed away, aged 62.
A statement from his family announced his passing on Monday 1 December 2025. Hampshire Cricket sends its deepest condolences to Robin’s family and friends.
Smith, affectionately known at ‘The Judge’, played for Hampshire across a 21-year period between 1982 – 2003, captaining the county between 1998 – 2002. In his time with the Rose and Crown, Smith played over 300 First-Class matches, scoring 18,984 runs with a high score of 209 not out at an impressive average of 42.09. Smith also made 347 List A appearances for Hampshire, securing over 12,000 runs at an average of 42.97.
The former Hampshire captain was also one of England’s most popular cricketers of the 1990s, earning his reputation as a fearless batter with a dangerous square cut. He played in 62 Test matches for England, scoring 4,236 runs.
One of Hampshire’s favourite sons has a permanent place at Utilita Bowl, in the exclusive members area, the Robin Smith Suite, situated in the pavilion end of the ground. Further plans to remember ‘The Judge’ will be announced by the club in due course.
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.
Group Chairman, Rod Bransgrove OBE
But more than all of that, Robin embodied the spirit of Hampshire. He loved playing for his county and rushed back from many of his 62 Test Matches and 71 ODIs to join his county team to play Championship or List ‘A’ fixtures with relish. His averages, of 44 in Test Matches and 39 in ODIs, suggest that this enthusiasm for County Cricket did not affect performances for his country and demonstrated a club commitment rarely seen these days.
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.
Finally, Robin was one of my closest personal friends. My family and I are all devastated by his loss. At one with so many friends of Hampshire Cricket and cricket generally, we have Harrison, Margaux, Kippy, Julie and Karen uppermost in our thoughts at this tragic time.
“It is with the deepest and most profound sense of sadness and loss that we must announce the passing of Robin Arnold Smith, beloved father of Harrison and Margaux and cherished brother of Christopher.
“Robin died unexpectedly at his South Perth apartment on Monday 1st December. The cause of his death is at present unknown.
“Robin known widely as ‘The Judge’ was originally born in South Africa in 1963 to parents John and Joy and is the younger brother to Christopher (Kippy) Smith. Robin rose to fame as one of England’s most charismatic and popular players. A brave and dashing batsman, he excelled both for Hampshire and his adopted country collecting legions of admirers and friends along the way.
“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.
“From Robin’s loving family.”
There will be no further comment from the family, at this stage.
Robin represented Hampshire for over two decades from 1982 to 2003, captaining the club from 1998 to 2002. He played 62 Tests for England and remains one of our greatest ever players.
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