Former Worcestershire CCC all-rounder Ivan Johnson – a squad member during successful times at New Road in the early 1970s – has passed away aged 68.
Johnson, a left-arm spinner and hard-hitting left-handed batsman, played 33 first class and 38 List A games for Worcestershire.
Nassau born Johnson became the first Bahamian to play first class cricket and top-scored for England Young Cricketers (Under-19s) during their 1972 tour of the West Indies with 438 runs at an average of 62.57.
Johnson, a former pupil of Seaford Court Prep School, Malvern, and then Malvern College, scored 716 first class runs, picked up 37 first class wickets, and made an impact in List A cricket.
He helped Worcestershire finish runners-up in the 40 over John Player League in 1972, reach the 1973 Benson and Hedges Cup final at Lord’s and win the 1974 County Championship.
Former Worcestershire CCC Captain Norman Gifford said: “Ivan was quite a character, a good character who was good fun.
“He was very popular with all the boys and part of that squad that eventually won the County Championship and made some excellent contributions.
“But, if you asked him to look back at his career, he might say he underachieved a little with bat and ball.”
After hanging up his spikes, Johnson carved out a career in journalism, working as a sub-editor and journalist on several national newspapers and founded the Bahamian paper ‘The Punch.’
Worcestershire CCC send their condolences to all members and relatives of Ivan Johnson’s family.
