Former Devon wicketkeeper Fox dies aged 87

Torquay 1st XI at South Devon in 1968. Back (l/r): Pegg (umpire), Peter Anderson, Barney Bettesworth, Jackie Fox, Ben Williams, David Post, Ian Scofield, Roger Walworth. Stan Vincent. Front: Chris Greatham, Roger Matthews, Paul Twose, Barrie Matthews

FORMER professional cricketer Jackie Fox, who played for Torquay and Devon in the 1960s, has died aged 87.

Fox, christened John but known as Jackie, played regular Minor Counties cricket for his native county of Durham between 1950 and 1958.

He was signed by Warwickshire and made his First Class debut in a defeat by Northamptonshire at Wantage Road in May 1959.

Jackie FoxFox succeeded Dick Spooner as Warwickshire's regular wicketkeeper in 1960 but lost his place to A C Smith the following season. His appearance in a draw with Yorkshire at the end of that season was his last in First-Class cricket.

Fox 91 catches and made 14 stumpings in 43 first-class matches. He scored 515 runs with one half century, 52 against the Indians at Edgbaston in 1959.

Fox returned to play for Durham and he also appeared in Minor Counties cricket for Devon in 1968 and 1969.

Fox played five games for Devon, scoring 52 runs and claiming 11 catches. His top score of 45 was made at Torquay against Cornwall on his debut.

Devon were well served with keepers at the time as Joe Oliver, Tony Ward and Peter Eele were all vying for the gloves with Fox.

Fox played club cricket for Torquay from 66 to 70 under the captaincy of Paul Twose.

Team-mates include Barney Bettesworth, David Post, Peter Anderson, Barrie Matthews and Chris Greetham.

He was a member of Torquay’s 1967 Devon Cup-winning team that defeated Plymouth at Paignton, making 18 in Torquay’s total of 134, which gave them an 11-run win.