Ex-Derbs and England fast bowler Ward dies aged 78
Alan Ward became the first bowler in the world to take four wickets in four balls in a limited overs match when he did so in 1970
- Published
Former Derbyshire and England fast bowler Alan Ward has died at the age of 78.
Ward - who was born in Dronfield, Derbyshire, and lived in Australia with his wife Helen since 2001 - took 460 first-class wickets at an average of 22.61 between 1966 and 1978.
He spent a large majority of his career with Derbyshire, claiming 348 first class wickets at an average of 21.56, while picking up a further 122 scalps in one day matches at an average of 24.35, between 1966 and 1976.
He took 14 wickets for England in five Test matches - with his debut coming against New Zealand at Lord's in 1969 and his final appearance following seven years later.
Ward, who saw out the final two years of his playing career at Leicestershire, has been described as being part of "the great lineage of Derbyshire pace bowlers".
"For Derbyshire followers in the late 1960s and the 1970s the sight of Alan Ward, smoothly approaching the crease before letting loose a delivery of high pace will remain one of the most thrilling recollections, for when he got everything right, there was no finer sight," Derbyshire's heritage officer David Griffin wrote in his tribute on the club's website., external
"Everyone connected with Derbyshire County Cricket Club would like to extend their condolences to Alan's family and friends."
