The ECB is saddened to learn of the former England, Sussex and Somerset cricketer Jim Parks at the age of 90. He was the oldest surviving England men’s Test cricketer.
Jim played 46 Tests for England, firstly as a batter and then memorably as a keeper-batter. During that time he made just under 2,000 runs with two Test centuries and nine 50s and took over 100 catches.
He made over 36,000 first class runs in a first-class career that spanned an incredible four decades including 739 first class matches and 132 List A games. During that time he scored 52 centuries and took 1,200 catches and 101 stumpings.
Parks helped Sussex win the first two editions of the Gillette Cup in 1963 and 94 and captained the side between 1967-8. He joined Somerset in 1973 and would finish his first-class career at Taunton in 1976, just before his 47th birthday.
Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer said, “This is incredibly sad news. Jim’s passion for the game was evident to all who knew him. He enjoyed a remarkable career and was a fine servant to Sussex, Somerset and England over many years. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.”
