CRICKET NEWS:FORMER ENGLAND off-spinner Fred Titmus has died following a long illness. He was 78.
Titmus played 53 Tests for England and captured 153 wickets, although he was just as well known for the longevity of his career.
His first-class career spanned a remarkable 33 seasons, after he made his debut for Middlesex aged 16 in 1949.
London-born Titmus, who was also on the books of Watford football club, was involved in an horrific accident shortly before the 1967-68 tour of the West Indies, when he caught his foot in the propeller of a boat and lost four toes.
However, he returned to action for Middlesex in May 1968 and dispelled doubts about his fitness by finishing the season with 111 wickets, as well as leading the county’s batting averages.
Titmus, who was also a handy lower-order batsman, made his final appearance for Middlesex in 1982 at the age of 50 years and 276 days, making him the oldest player to appear for the county at Lord’s.
“Middlesex County Cricket Club are deeply saddened to report the death of Middlesex and England legend Fred Titmus, who died this morning after a long illness,” a statement on Middlesex’s website read.
