Former England and Northamptonshire Cricketer Wayne Larkins Dies at 71

Wayne Larkins, a former England and Northamptonshire cricketer, has passed away at the age of 71 after a short illness. The sad news was shared by Northamptonshire County Cricket Club on June 28. Known fondly as "Ned" among fans and teammates, Larkins played international cricket for England between 1979 and 1991. He appeared in 13 Test matches and 25 One Day Internationals during his career.

A Career Highlight in the Caribbean

During the 1989–1990 series against the West Indies, Larkins had one of his most memorable performances.  In a surprise victory at Sabina Park, Jamaica, he hit the winning runs, giving England a 1-0 lead in the series. Interestingly, that match was only his seventh Test appearance, coming more than eight years after his sixth.

His international career might have been more prominent if he hadn’t taken part in the controversial 1982 rebel tour to South Africa. A three-year ban from international cricket due to that decision.

Domestic Success and Charisma

Larkins spent most of his domestic career playing for Northamptonshire, appearing in over 700 games. His attacking style and lively personality made him a fan favourite. Later, he moved to Durham before retiring, finishing his career with around 40,000 runs and 85 centuries in all formats.

From 1978 to 1985, he consistently scored over 1,000 runs in every first-class season. In 1983, he hit two double hundreds—236 against Derbyshire and 252 versus Glamorgan—within seven weeks. Sadly, his ban kept him from earning a Test recall during that period.

Remembered Fondly by Family and Fans

His wife, Debbie, expressed her heartbreak in a tribute posted on Northamptonshire’s website. She said, "Ned brought joy to everyone around him. His energy lit up the room, and he always loved to celebrate life." She added, “He adored his family and never wanted the party to end. We’re heartbroken, but his presence will always stay with us.”