The England and Wales Cricket Board is saddened to learn of the passing of Wayne Larkins, the former England and Northamptonshire batter, who has died aged 71 after a short illness.
Affectionately known as “Ned,” Larkins was a flamboyant and fearless opening batsman whose career spanned over two decades. He represented England in 13 Tests and 25 One-Day Internationals between 1979 and 1991, including an appearance in the 1979 World Cup final. His most iconic moment in an England shirt came in 1990, when he struck the winning runs at Sabina Park to seal a famous Test victory over the West Indies.
Larkins’ domestic career was equally distinguished. He made over 700 appearances for Northamptonshire, amassing 29,929 county runs with 60 centuries across formats. He later played for Durham, leaving an indelible mark on every team he represented. Known for his powerful strokeplay and larger-than-life personality, Larkins was as beloved off the field as he was respected on it.
Wayne Larkins will be remembered not only for his achievements on the field but also for the warmth, humour, and spirit he brought to the game. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.