ICC President pays tribute to Denis Lindsay

International Cricket Council (ICC) President Ehsan Mani today paid tribute to Denis Lindsay, the former South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman and ICC Match Referee, who has passed away at the age of 66.

Mr Mani said: "I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear this news and would like to take this opportunity to pass on my sincere condolences to Denis's family and friends.

"Denis gave the game of cricket a lifetime of service both as a player and an administrator.

"People like Denis, who entertain as players and then give something back to the game after they finish playing, are the lifeblood of our sport. They keep cricket strong and his contribution in that regard cannot be understated.

"He was immensely popular among those that dealt with him, with a great sense of humour, and he will be sorely missed."

The son of Johnny Lindsay and nephew of Nevil Lindsay, both of whom played Test cricket for South Africa, Denis Lindsay had his international career cut short by his country's sporting isolation.

He made his Test debut against Australia in 1963 and in the 1966/67 series against the same opponents he scored 606 runs in five Tests, a tally that remains the highest series run aggregate by a wicketkeeper in Test history.

His final two Tests came against Australia in South Africa's last series before their cricketing isolation, in 1970. In his last match, in Port Elizabeth, he scored 43 and 60 as the home side completed a 4-0 series clean sweep.

In total he played 19 Tests, scoring 1130 runs and effecting 59 dismissals (57 catches and two stumpings) while his first-class career, which ended in 1974, yielded 7074 runs and 333 dismissals (292 catches and 41 stumpings).

Denis Lindsay's role as an ICC Match Referee spanned the years 2000 to 2003, during which time he officiated in seven Tests and 59 ODIs, including five matches in the 2003 World Cup.