Smith, born in South Africa to British parents, appeared in 62 Test matches and 71 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for England, scoring 13 centuries in total.

After retiring, he struggled with depression and alcoholism, revealing his personal battles to British newspapers just last week.

"It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of the legendary batsman Robin Smith," Hampshire wrote on X.

Robin Smith made his mark as an aggressive middle-order batsman, especially noted for his skill against fast bowling. He held a Test average of 43.67 before being dropped after the South Africa series in 1995-96.

"It’s a very sad day … During the 80s and 90s, he was England’s finest batsman," said a tearful Kevan James, Smith’s former Hampshire teammate, on BBC Radio Solent.

"He was an outstanding player, particularly strong against fast bowlers in an era when the West Indies boasted many pace bowlers. He was among the few England batsmen who confronted them and matched their intensity."

Smith was the brother of fellow England player Chris Smith, who played his final Test at Leeds two years before Robin made his England debut at the same venue in 1988.

Known as "The Judge" due to his curly hair resembling a judge’s wig, Robin Smith scored 175 against West Indies in Antigua in 1994, during the same match where Brian Lara set a record with 375 runs.

Smith also recorded an unbeaten 167 against Australia in 1993, which stood as the highest ODI score by an England player until 2016, when Alex Hales scored 171 against Pakistan.

"Robin Smith was a batsman who faced some of the fastest bowlers globally, responding to fierce pace bowling with a determined smile and remarkable toughness," said Richard Thompson, chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

"He did so in a manner that brought great pride to England supporters and plenty of thrilling moments.