The cricket world is in grief as Norman Gifford, Worcestershire’s iconic left-arm spinner and former England player, has died aged 85 after enduring a long illness. Wednesday’s announcement by the ECB closes a remarkable chapter in county and international cricket.
Gifford was instrumental in Worcestershire’s 1964-65 County Championship double. As skipper, he masterminded the 1974 Championship win and 1971 Sunday League success, blending shrewd captaincy with masterful spin bowling.
His England career spanned 15 Tests and 2 ODIs from 1964-73, yielding 33 wickets—including a five-wicket masterpiece in Karachi versus Pakistan. At 44, he etched history as the oldest men’s ODI captain in 1980’s Sharjah tournament, filling in for sidelined seniors amid losses to Australia and Pakistan.
Yet, his grit shone through with a 4-23 haul against Pakistan. Later at Warwickshire, he led for five years until retiring professionally at 48 in 1988. Today, Worcestershire and Warwickshire vie for the Norman Gifford Trophy in Vitality Blast, immortalizing his impact.
Gifford’s off-field legacy includes Worcestershire presidency and honorary vice-presidency honors. Competition from Tony Lock and a young Derek Underwood restricted his Test spots, but partnerships like the 1972-73 India-Pakistan tour remain fondly recalled. A true gentleman of the game, Gifford’s contributions will inspire generations.