The Judge More Than Just a Game
The Judge More Than Just a Game by Robin Smith, published by National Geographic Books on November 24, 2020, is a memoir that delves into the life of one of England’s most popular cricketers from the 1990s. Known as “The Judge,” Smith faced some of the most formidable fast bowlers with remarkable skill and bravery, earning him a dedicated fan base. This edition spans 336 pages and is presented in English, offering readers an intimate look at Smith’s journey through the highs of his cricket career and the subsequent challenges he faced after retirement.
In this memoir, Smith candidly explores his struggles with identity and mental health following his departure from professional cricket. He reflects on the complexities of his personality, grappling with the contrast between his public persona as a fearless athlete and his private battles with anxiety and depression. The narrative also touches on themes of masculinity and the pressures faced by athletes, alongside vivid recollections of his cricketing experiences, including notable matches against the West Indies. Through his story, Smith provides insight into the often-overlooked emotional toll of sports, making this a significant read for those interested in personal memoirs and the intersection of sports and mental health.
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Shortlisted for the Cricket Writers’ Club Book of the Year Award.
‘A red-blooded memoir told with unexpected sensitivity’, Guardian
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, 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.
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