Johannesburg – Former South Africa wicketkeeper and lower-order batsman Chris Duckworth died on Friday, Cricket SA said in a statement.
Duckworth, 81, played two Test matches for South Africa against England in the 1956-57 season.
“He also toured England in 1955 and 1960 as understudy wicketkeeper to Johnny Waite and was unlucky that his career overlapped with Johnny Waite who was South Africa’s first-choice wicketkeeper throughout the period that covered his career,” said CSA.
Duckworth played 77 first-class matches, including one season for then Natal, and made more than 2 500 runs with three centuries. His highest first-class score of 158 was achieved against Northamptonshire during the 1955 tour of England.
“On behalf of the CSA family I extend our heart-felt condolences to his family, friends, cricketing colleagues, and all the people who were close to him and who were touched by his life,” said CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat. – Sapa