Cricket mourns the loss of Norman Gifford, the former England left-arm spinner who died at 85 following a long battle with illness. The ECB announced his passing on Wednesday, prompting an outpouring of memories from fans and players alike.
A cornerstone of Worcestershire’s success, Gifford helped deliver County Championships in 1964 and 1965. Taking the captaincy helm, he guided the team to the 1974 County title and 1971 Sunday League crown, showcasing tactical brilliance and unyielding spirit.
Internationally, from 1964 to 1973, he featured in 15 Tests—snaring 33 wickets, including a memorable five-for in Karachi against Pakistan—and two ODIs. His captaincy milestone came at 44 in Sharjah’s 1980 Rothmans Cup, making him ODI’s oldest-ever skipper when thrust into leadership due to unavailable stars.
England stumbled against Australia and Pakistan there, but Gifford’s 4-23 spell against Pakistan highlighted his class. Transitioning to Warwickshire, he captained until age 48 before hanging up his boots in 1988. The Norman Gifford Trophy, pitting Worcestershire against Warwickshire in T20s, stands as a living tribute.
Beyond the field, his roles as club president and honorary vice-president underscored his lifelong dedication. Rivalries with contemporaries like Tony Lock and Derek Underwood curtailed his England tenure, yet his 1972-73 subcontinent exploits alongside Underwood endure. Gifford’s story is one of resilience and quiet excellence.