Former SA batsman dies aged 81

Chris Duckworth, a former South Africa batsman, died on May 16 at his home in Johannesburg. Duckworth, 81, represented the country in two Tests during the home series against England in the summer of 1957, when the hosts fought back from a 2-0 deficit to share the series 2-2.

Duckworth, who began his career with Rhodesia as a 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, played a total of 77 first-class matches, including one season for Natal where he made more than 2500 runs with three centuries. He also toured England in 1955 and 1960 as an understudy to the team's first-choice keeper Johnny Waite.

"On behalf of the CSA Family I extend our heart-felt condolences to his family, friends, cricketing colleagues and all the people who were close to him and who were touched by his life," Haroon Lorgat, the CSA chief executive, said in a statement.