Former England fast-bowler Alan Ward has sadly died at the age of 78, with his beloved club paying tribute to a 'thrilling' record-breaker.
Test Career and Ashes Tour
Ward made five Test appearances between 1969 and 1976. He was part of the Ray Illingworth-led squad that toured Australia in 1970-71, a series England won 2-0 to regain the Ashes for the first time since 1959. However, Ward's tour was cut short by injury, and he was replaced by Bob Willis.
Domestic Success
Between 1966 and 1978, Ward took 460 first-class wickets at an average of 22.61 for Derbyshire and Leicestershire. He made his Test debut against New Zealand at Lord's in 1969. After playing three Tests against New Zealand that summer and one versus Pakistan in 1971, Ward was recalled to face the West Indies at Headingley in 1976. He took four wickets in the match, bringing his Test haul to 14, and received a standing ovation for a 47-minute duck as captain Tony Greig tried to secure a memorable win.
Career Highlights and Later Life
Ward spent a decade at Derbyshire and in 1970 became the first bowler to take four wickets in four balls in a limited-overs match. He ended his career with a two-year spell at Leicestershire and emigrated to Australia with his wife Helen in 2001.
Heritage officer David Griffin wrote on the Derbyshire website: '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. Everyone connected with Derbyshire County Cricket Club would like to extend their condolences to Alan's family and friends.'
