The Judge

More Than Just a Game

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Pub Date 15 Oct 2020 | Archive Date 14 Nov 2020

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Description

Robin Smith was one of England’s most popular cricketers of the 1990s. The Judge, as he was known to all, took on some of the most dangerous fast bowlers of all time with a skill and fearlessness that ensured hero status. His savage square cut drew roars of approval from fans all around the world, especially those of his beloved England and Hampshire. But when he was prematurely dumped from the England set-up at the age of 32, he had to face his toughest opponent of all – himself. Smith suffered a debilitating loss of identity, especially when he retired from professional cricket in 2003, and struggled to deal with the contradictions in his personality. Was he the Judge, the fearless warrior, or Robin Smith, the frantic worrier?

Without a support structure to transition from cricket to the outside world, Smith suffered from mental health, alcohol, marital and financial problems until he hit rock bottom and planned to take his own life. In The Judge - More than Just a Game, he revisits his experience of extreme darkness and challenges received wisdom about masculinity and mental health. He also shares the many highs and lows of his eventful international and county career, including his exhilarating battles with the West Indies and his struggles against mystery spin. And he reflects fondly on a time when cricketers worked hard and partied even harder; a time almost unrecognisable to the modern day.

Robin Smith was one of England’s most popular cricketers of the 1990s. The Judge, as he was known to all, took on some of the most dangerous fast bowlers of all time with a skill and fearlessness...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781529112863
PRICE £9.99 (GBP)
PAGES 336

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Featured Reviews

It is easy to forget that the sportsman you watch from afar making the game seem so easy is in reality just a bloke who suffers from the same insecurities as frailties as the next person. Robin Smith is no exception. This is a tale if a young man emerging from a privileged and sheltered upbringing ginghams in apartheid South Africa developing into a world class batsman and appearing so confident at the crease but in reality he was a man riddled with issues and problems.

The book is open and honest to an extreme and sometimes Smith does not come over well but I am sure that it was a cathartic experience too and one that is always fascinating for the reader.

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