FORMER Worcestershire wicket-keeper Roy Booth has passed away just seven days short of his 92nd birthday.
Booth began his career with his native Yorkshire, being part of the first team for 1954 and 1955 campaigns before joining Worcestershire in 1956.
Booth was Worcestershire’s first choice keeper for 13 years and a key member of the 1964 and 1965 County Championship side behind the stumps but also in making important lower-order contributions with the bat.
In 1964 he became the last player to register 100 dismissals in a season and is one of only seven keepers to achieve that feat, with Booth achieving it twice.
He ended his career with 1,125 first class victims in addition to 10,138 first class runs including scoring 1,000 plus in a season in 1959.
Booth retired at the end of the 1968 season but briefly returned in 1970 because of an injury crisis. He then became a distinguished member of the Worcestershire CCC committee and had a spell as club president.
Worcestershire chief Matt Rawnsley said: “Our thoughts are with Roy’s family and friends on this sad day.
“Roy was a genuine legend of the club, a top keeper and more than useful batsman who played a massive role in one of the golden eras of the club.”
Players are wearing black armbands in the current Specsavers County Championship match with Yorkshire at New Road.