India, Dec. 3 -- Exactly a week ago, Robin Smith, 62, made a short trip from his residence in South Perth to Lilac Hill at the invitation of Andrew Flintoff, where the Ben Stokes-led England team were playing their warm-up game ahead of the Ashes in Australia. Possessing the same charisma that made him one of the most watchable batters of the 90s, the South Africa-born former England star, sporting his trademark shades, addressed the squad, speaking about batting and the mental struggles that had weighed him down.

A few days later, he made an appearance at Optus Stadium in Perth, where he spoke openly about his recovery after a prolonged battle with alcoholism.

On Monday, Smith died unexpectedly in his apartment in Perth. The cause of d...