Former England wicketkeeper-batter Jim Parks passes away at 90

Sussex cricket announced the death of wicketkeeper-batter Jim Parks at the age of 90 and he was England’s oldest living Test cricketer at the time of his death on Tuesday (May 31) morning. Parks played for England from the period of 1954 to 1968 in 46 Tests, and he scored 1962 runs at an average of 32.2. He managed to hit two centuries and nine half-centuries as well, playing as a wicketkeeper mainly, and effected 103 catches and 11 stumpings.

Parks was born in 1931 and had a fine County career with Sussex that started at the age of 18. He went on to play 739 first-class matches and 132 List A games for a period of 23 years with Sussex until 1973. Subsequently, he went on to play for Somerset where he finished his career. He came back later to Sussex as a marketing manager and had two stints as the County’s president. Hailing from a cricketing family, Park’s father Jim also played for Sussex and one Test for England against New Zealand in 1937, while his son, Bobby, played for Hampshire.

After all the service that Parks rendered for Sussex over the years, the club announced the death of the former cricketer and offered condolences to his wife and son. The club confirmed that Jim had fallen last week which contributed to his death in Worthing Hospital on Tuesday.

“Sussex Cricket is deeply saddened to announce the death of Jim Parks at the age of 90,” the club said in a statement.

“Jim died in Worthing hospital this morning after a fall at home last week,” it added.

Sussex Cricket is deeply saddened to announce the death of Jim Parks at the age of 90.

Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with his wife Jenny and son Bobby. RIP, Jim.

— Sussex Cricket (@SussexCCC) May 31, 2022

Jim’s passion for the game was evident: ECB Chief Executive Tom Harrison

Meanwhile, ECB Chief Executive Tom Harrison expressed his sadness upon hearing the news of Park’s demise and noted about the latter’s passion for the game. He acknowledged Park’s achievements over the years for England and felt that Parks had a remarkable career as well.

“This is incredibly sad news. Jim’s passion for the game was evident to all who knew him. He enjoyed a remarkable career and was a fine servant to Sussex, Somerset and England over many years. Our thoughts are with his friends and family,” said England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Tom Harrison.