Robin Smith’s team-mate slammed over ‘unnecessary’ remark after England legend dies at 62 | Cricket | Sport
Robin Smith’s former England team-mate Derek Pringle has been slammed after paying tribute to the cricket icon. Pringle paid his respects to Smith in a social media post, but some cricket fans felt one remark he made at the end of the post was “unnecessary”.
Smith, who appeared in 62 Tests for England between 1988 and 1996, relocated to Australia following his retirement and was in Perth to watch the first Test of the Ashes last month. But he sadly passed away on Monday. His death was announced by his family in a heartbreaking statement, with his ex-team-mate Kevan James also breaking the sad news on BBC Radio Solent.
Pringle, who featured in 30 Test matches for England, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday morning and wrote: “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.”
And his comments didn’t go down well with some people as @Neilfarrington replied: “‘Caused him to sabotage the relationships that mattered most’? Is this really the time and the place?”
Meanwhile, @mattmoran1980 wrote: “Why put this Derek? He’s just passed. No need and this is really not required.”
Fellow X user @Trussman333 said: “Unnecessary last few lines.” And @andygill76 added: “A bit unnecessary that last bit.”
Smith’s death had been announced hours earlier as his family explained: “It is with the deepest and most profound sense of sadness and loss that we must announce the passing of Robin 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.”
Meanwhile, England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson stated: “Robin Smith was a player who stood toe to toe with some of the quickest bowlers in the world, meeting spells of hostile fast bowling with a defiant smile and an incredible resilience. He did so in a way that gave England fans enormous pride and no shortage of entertainment.”
And Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said: “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.
“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.”
