Cricket: Washbrook, red rose legend, dies at 84

THE FORMER Lancashire and England batsman Cyril Washbrook, who served his county as player, captain, manager, committee member and president for more than 60 years, yesterday died at his home, aged 84.

He had an illustrious career both with England and his beloved Lancashire, in which he scored 34,101 first-class runs including 76 centuries during his 34 years as a player.

Jim Cumbes, the chief executive at Old Trafford, said: "He was one of my boyhood heroes along with Brian Statham, and my abiding memory of Cyril was when he was recalled to the Test team against Australia when he was a selector at the age of 41 and scored 98. He was a great figure, both on and off the field."

Washbrook was a member of Lancashire's 1934 Championship-winning side - the last Old Trafford team to win the title outright. He made the first of 37 Test appearances against New Zealand in 1937 and, despite losing his best years to the Second World War, he enjoyed his most prolific seasons shortly after it.

Perhaps his most famous moment came in 1956 when, recalled to the Test side against Australia at Headingley, he arrived at the crease with England on 17 for 3 and hit a memorable innings of 98.

David Graveney, the chairman of selectors, said: "He was an icon of the game both for England and Lancashire and his passing is a sad day. He was a colourful figure... his record is there for all to see - he was a great of the game."

Obituary, Review, page 8