TRIBUTES poured in for Robin Smith following his tragic death aged 62.
The former on Monday in Australia.
Robin Smith passed away aged 62Credit: PA
Piers Morgan was among those to pay tribute to the former England batterCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Smith played in 62 Tests between 1988 and 1996, scoring more than 4,200 runs at an average of 43.67 and nine centuries.
His sad passing came just days after after years of struggles with alcohol.
And the community rallied together to honour one of England’s best-ever batters, nicknamed the Judge.
Fans, players and teams alike all took to social media on Tuesday morning.
said: “RIP Robin ‘The Judge’ Smith, 62. One of England’s finest, most attacking, and heroically courageous batsmen.
“Sadly battled many demons in his life, but he was a great guy beloved by fans and teammates. Very sad news.”
Ryan Sidebottom, 2010 T20 World Cup winner with , wrote: “RIP Robin Smith ‘The Judge’ – what a batter and bloke.”
Derek Pringle typed: “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 and downs of sport and life more acutely than most.
“Everyone loved him but maybe that caused him to sabotage the relationships that mattered most – RIP mate.”
Jack Russell posted: “Robin Smith one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, would do anything for you and hard as nails.
“What a player. Played quick bowling as well as anyone, had the hardest square cut in the business alongside G Greenidge. RIP my friend, rest easy now.”
Commentator Ian Darke added: “Very sad news about Robin Smith. Gave so much pleasure with his pulverising batting for Hants and England. Hard to read how his life became so hard later. RIP ‘ The Judge ‘.
Hampshire, Smith’s county side for his entire County Championship career, typed: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of legendary batter Robin Smith.
“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 friends at this difficult time.”
ECB Chair Richard Thompson said: “Robin Smith was a player who stood toe to toe with some of the quickest bowlers around, meeting spells of hostile fast bowling with a defiant smile and a ferocious shot.
“He did so in a way that gave England fans enormous pride, and no shortage of entertainment.
“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.
A brave and dashing batsman, he excelled both for Hampshire and his adopted country collecting legions of admirers and friends along the way
Robin Smith's family
“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.”
Smith’s family also released an emotional statement.
They shared: “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.
“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.
“From Robin’s loving family.”
Smith recently opened up on his near-death experience and comebackCredit: Shutterstock
He is widely regarded as one of Hampshire’s greatest playersCredit: Getty 
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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