Former allrounder and coach Shrimpton dies

Former New Zealand allrounder Mike Shrimpton died on Saturday at the age of 74. Shrimpton played ten Tests between 1963 and 1974, picking five wickets and scoring 265 runs.

In a first-class career spanning 18 years, Shrimpton represented Central Districts and Northern Districts, playing 122 games during which he amassed 5812 runs and picked up 81 wickets as a legspinner. He was captain of Central Districts in 1969-70 and 1972-73, and from 1976-77 to 1978-79. His 10-Test career included seven Tests against the powerful MCC touring sides of the early 60s and 70s.

After his playing career, Shrimpton coached the New Zealand women's team to their World Cup triumph in 2000. In 2007 he received the Bert Sutcliffe Medal for outstanding service to New Zealand cricket.

New Zealand women's team coach Haidee Tiffen, who played in the World Cup side in 2000, said Shrimpton would always be remembered as an astute and insightful coach.

"Mike was a wonderful coach and mentor," Tiffen said. "Cricket, and women's cricket in particular, has lost a great friend.

"He was extremely considerate and insightful in his approach and had a wonderfully empowering effect on all our players. Mike made cricket fun for everyone. He had a really dry sense of humour and made people laugh. We'll miss him greatly."

New Zealand Cricket offers condolences to the family and friends of Mike Shrimpton. Fine player, coach & great friend of cricket #RIPShrimpo

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 13, 2015