Former England batsman Robin Smith told he would likely die during alcoholism battle
Former England batsman Robin Smith spent three months in hospital this year battling alcoholism and was given just a 10 per cent chance of survival and one per cent chance of a full recovery.
Durban-born Smith averaged 43.7 in 62 Tests for England between 1988 and 1996, making nine hundreds. He was also a stalwart for Hampshire, remembered for his rasping cut shot.
Smith detailed his battles with addiction and contemplating taking his own life in his 2019 autobiography The Judge (which was also his nickname as a player). In an interview with the Indian Express in Perth, where he lives, he has revealed how his troubles returned in 2021. “The devil has got you by the clutches,” he said. “The moment you relax, think you are over it, it can come back.”
In September this year, Smith’s son was told that his dad had just a 10 per cent chance of survival when fighting for his life in a Perth hospital. “I am sorry, those words still send a shiver down [his spine],” Smith said.
Smith had relapsed having stopped working and acting as a full-time carer for his elderly father.
“I was too idle, and went drinking again,” he said. “You would think here I am, having written a book about all that, opened my soul to the world, and would be more intelligent about the dangers. But that’s how it goes. What can I tell you; it’s a bloody spiral but deep inside you know you can’t blame anyone but you. But I was gripped again.
“Luckily I have survived. My father moved to an old-age home – and he is happy there. Phew. His fears dropped. The doctor said only one per cent of people recover fully and retain their cognitive ability – and that I was lucky to do that.”
Smith believes he has turned a corner again and offered to support anyone struggling with addiction.
“I would be a fool to touch it again when I know I can die with one more drop,” he said.
“If I can help even one person – and I firmly believe I can, it would be great. I know how this grips the soul, and what it can do to you. There are lots of youngsters here and around the world, caught in the drugs-alcohol world. A temporary fix that destroys lives. The underlying issues have to be addressed and one has to think of just small little steps. One tiny step a day.
“Remember, anyone with any such issue, just tell them: ‘There is a guy called Robin on the other side of the world who is willing to listen.’”
