FORMER England seamer Ken Higgs has died at the age of 79. Higgs, who also played for Lancashire and Leicestershire, took 71 wickets at an average of 20.74 in 15 Tests.In a first-class career that spanned 28 years, including a successful comeback for Leicestershire in his late 40s in 1986, Higgs finished with 1 536 wickets at 23.61.
Former England captain and Sky Sports commentator David Lloyd paid tribute, saying: “I played with Ken and he was a mentor to me – he was a fabulous bloke.
“He was a great, great man; he had his principles. He left Lancashire and went and played Lancashire League cricket and then went and found a home in Leicestershire.”
Higgs made his England debut at The Oval against South Africa in 1965, and won his final cap on his home ground at Old Trafford in his second Ashes Test on 1968.
Towards the end of his ‘main’ career he also took a hat-trick at Lord’s for Leicestershire, during the final of the 1974 Benson & Hedges Cup against Surrey.
On that showpiece occasion he finished with figures of 4-10 from seven overs, although his team lost by 27 runs.
He took 24 wickets during England’s home Test series against West Indies in 1966 and a statement from Leicestershire County Cricket Club read: “We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of the great fast-medium opening bowler Ken Higgs.”
Leicestershire chairman and former batsman Paul Haywood added: “I had the great pleasure of playing alongside Ken, and he was a truly great bowler who had a wonderful career record.
“Ken was well respected by everyone at Leicestershire County Cricket Club, and we would like to offer our condolences and best wishes to his family.”
David Lloyd, the ex-Lancashire all-rounder, former England coach and Sky Sports commentator wrote on Twitter: “So sad to hear that Ken Higgs, Lancashire, Leicestershire, England, has passed away. A great man #mentor.”
Flags at both Grace Road and Old Trafford were flying at half-mast as a mark of respect from both clubs.
Batting at No 11, he scored a career-best 98 alongside Ray Illingworth in a stand of 228 at home to Northamptonshire in 1977.
Higgs went on to become captain and coach at Leicestershire, before making another playing comeback at the age of 49 and duly taking 5- 22 against Yorkshire.
He was also an England Youth football international and played for Port Vale.