CSA pays tribute to Duckworth

Johannesburg - Former South Africa wicketkeeper and lower-order batsman Chris Duckworth died on Friday, Cricket SA said in a statement.

Duckworth, 81, played two Test matches for South Africa against England in the 1956/1957 season.

"He also toured England in 1955 and 1960 as understudy wicketkeeper to Johnny Waite and was unlucky that his career overlapped with Johnny Waite who was South Africa's first-choice wicketkeeper throughout the period that covered his career," said CSA.

Duckworth played 77 first-class matches, including one season for then Natal, and made more than 2500 runs with three centuries. His highest first-class score of 158 was achieved against Northamptonshire during the 1955 tour of England.

"On behalf of the CSA family I extend our heart-felt condolences to his family, friends, cricketing colleagues, and all the people who were close to him and who were touched by his life," said CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat.