Worcestershire County Cricket Club are today saddened to share the news of the passing of Norman Gifford MBE, aged 85, after a prolonged battle with illness.
A County Championship winning captain in 1974, Norman enjoyed an illustrious playing career that saw him win his first title in 1964. His exceptional form was rewarded by virtue of a call-up to the England side later that summer, where he went on to represent his country 17 times, including 15 Test Matches and two One Day Internationals.
Norman, represented Worcestershire with distinction for 22 years, between 1960 and 1982, with the famed spinner taking a remarkable 1,615 first-class wickets during that time.
Named one of five ‘Wisden Cricketers of the Year’ in 1975, Norman was honoured in 1978, when he was awarded an MBE for his services to cricket.
After his time as a player at New Road, Norman went on to represent Warwickshire for five years between 1983 and 1988, where he captained the side before eventually retiring from cricket at the age of 48.
In his later years, Norman returned to his beloved Worcestershire as Club President, before being awarded an Honorary Vice Presidency Role.
Norman’s contribution to both Worcestershire and Warwickshire was recognised in 2016, when the two counties began to compete for the Norman Gifford Trophy, a longstanding tradition that sees both clubs contest the trophy in both Vitality Blast T20 matches each year.
Everyone at Worcestershire County Cricket Club would like to offer their sincere condolences to the family, who are all in our thoughts.
