Smith offered hope in grim era, with flair and courage

Batter defied West Indies' lethal bowlers of the 80s and 90s, and scored fine centuries against Australia in the most testing times

- Tanya Aldred

Robin Smith square cut was more than a whip-crack snap of the bat.

For English cricket fans of the late 80s and early 90s, it was a nudge in the ribs that, underneath the pastings, the dismal collapses and Rentaghost selections, the national team would fight another day.

Smith's cut, alongside a David Gower cover drive, gave hope where there was little left in the bucket. Those famous forearms - half oak, half baobab - the white shirt unbuttoned past the clavicle, the chain glinting through his chest hair, smelt enticingly like bravery, and old spice and one last throw of the dice.

The sight of Smith marching out to bat - as an opener (in four Tests), No 3 (six), No 4 (30), No 5 (19), No 6 (14) or No 7 (twice) - those charmingly indecisive selectors never could place him - was a high point in a largely post-Botham era, a clear-the-bars alarm for those in the ground and a stay-your-ground sign to those on the sofa.