Wayne Larkins was part of England sides that toured Australia, the West Indies and India Former England and Northamptonshire batter Wayne Larkins has died at the age of 71. Larkins, nicknamed Ned, played 13 Tests and 25 one-day internationals for England between 1979 and 1991, and was part of the side that reached the 1979 World Cup final. He made 716 appearances for Northamptonshire across first-class and one-day formats, scoring 29,929 runs with 60 centuries. The opening batter was part of the Northants side who won their first major trophy, the Gillette Cup, in 1976. He left for Durham in 1991 and had short spells with Minor Counties Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire before retiring from playing in 2001. "Unquestionably one of the most exciting and naturally talented English top-order batsmen of his generation, he feared no-one with the new ball and could inflict severe damage on the very best," said Northamptonshire. Larkins' wife Debbie said: "Ned loved everyone he met and everyone loved him. People were drawn to his infectious energy. He lit up every room and never wanted the party to finish. "He loved his soulmate of a wife and his precious daughters so much. He will be partying up in the sky, drinking a toast to everyone and to his own life. We are devastated but we'll never forget his undeniably unique presence and his impact on our lives. "We will carry him in our hearts forever."
Ex-England & Northants batter Larkins dies aged 71
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"Wayne Larkins, Former England Cricketer, Dies at 71"
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Wayne Larkins, the former England and Northamptonshire cricketer, has passed away at the age of 71. Larkins, affectionately known as 'Ned,' had a noteworthy career representing England in 13 Test matches and 25 One Day Internationals from 1979 to 1991. He was part of the England squad that reached the final of the 1979 Cricket World Cup, a significant achievement in his international career. Larkins made a lasting impact at Northamptonshire, where he played 716 matches across both first-class and one-day formats, amassing an impressive total of 29,929 runs and scoring 60 centuries. His contributions were pivotal in leading Northamptonshire to their first major trophy, the Gillette Cup, in 1976. After a successful stint with the team, he transitioned to Durham in 1991 before concluding his playing career with short spells at Minor Counties Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire, ultimately retiring in 2001.
Larkins was celebrated for his extraordinary talent and fearlessness at the crease, with Northamptonshire describing him as one of the most exciting top-order batsmen of his generation. His ability to tackle the new ball with confidence made him a formidable opponent on the field. Beyond his cricketing prowess, Larkins was cherished for his vibrant personality and the joy he brought to those around him. His wife, Debbie, shared heartfelt sentiments about his character, highlighting his love for family and friends, as well as his infectious energy that captivated everyone he met. She expressed the family's deep sense of loss while also emphasizing the lasting impact he had on their lives. Larkins leaves behind a legacy not only as a talented cricketer but also as a beloved figure whose spirit will be remembered by many, as his family vows to carry his memory in their hearts forever.
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