Norman Gifford: A Life in Cricket
Norman Gifford, the esteemed slow left-arm spinner who graced the cricket field for nearly three decades, has passed away at the age of 85. His career, spanning from 1960 to 1988, saw him play in 710 first-class matches, placing him 20th on the all-time list for appearances. With 2,068 wickets taken at an average of 23.56, he also ranks 27th among the greatest wicket-takers in history.
International and Domestic Achievements
Gifford represented England in 15 Test matches between 1964 and 1973, a tally that might have been higher were it not for the dominance of fellow slow left-armer Derek Underwood during that era. Despite this, his domestic success was undeniable. He secured three County Championships with Worcestershire in 1964, 1965, and 1974, captaining the side to victory in the latter year. Additionally, he led Worcestershire to a John Player League title in 1971.
After moving to Warwickshire in 1983, Gifford took on the captaincy from 1985 to 1987, showcasing his leadership skills until his retirement in 1988 at the age of 48. His bowling style, characterised by a sharp angle and low trajectory, kept batsmen consistently challenged throughout his career.
Early Life and Rise to Prominence
Born in Ulverston, Lancashire, Gifford's talent was initially overlooked by his home county due to geographical distance. At 19, he responded to an advertisement in a cricket magazine for a trial with Worcestershire, which led to a contract offer. He made his first-team debut in June 1960 against Kent, quickly establishing himself as a key player by taking 41 wickets in his debut season.
By 1964, his impressive form earned him a place in the England side for the Ashes Test at Lord's, where he claimed three wickets. However, Underwood's emergence limited his international opportunities, with Gifford waiting seven years for his next cap.
Leadership and Later Career
As captain of Worcestershire from 1971, Gifford guided the team to further success, including the 1974 County Championship title with a squad lacking in star players. His achievements were recognised with a Wisden Cricketer of the Year award in 1975 and an MBE in 1978.
In a surprising twist, Gifford made a brief return to the international stage in 1985 at age 44, captaining England in two one-day matches in Sharjah. Post-retirement, he contributed to cricket as a coach at Sussex, Durham, and Worcestershire, where he served as president in 2017-18.
Legacy and Personal Qualities
Known for his friendly and open demeanour, Gifford was often described as "affable." A memorable incident in 1988, where he patiently re-did a lengthy interview after a technical error, epitomised his good-natured character. His legacy lives on through a trophy named in his honour for T20 matches between Worcestershire and Warwickshire.
He is survived by his wife Alison, children Mark, David, and Caroline, two grandchildren, and his brother Alan.
