Cricket legend dies at 79

CLIFFORD Cox, who captained the Canadian cricket team after emigrating from Oldham, has died aged 79. Tributes have described his as “the foundation of Canadian cricket” and a “legend in the world of cricket”.

Mr Cox was born and raised in Shaw Street, Oldham, and educated at Beever Street School, Ward Street Central School and Oldham Technical College.

He was a well known singer and performer with Oldham Amateur Operatic Company and a member of Oldham Cricket Club.

After emigrating to Vancouver in 1956 he became a prominent player in the early Canadian cricket scene, leading the national side in 1969 and 1970.

He served as vice-president of Cricket Canada and championed the cause of women’s cricket in the country. The father-of-two had also been leading performer in the Canadian theatre and founded several major opera companies.

In 2007 he received the Paul Harris Fellowship — Rotary’s highest award — for distinguished service to theatre, sport and business in Canada.

Mr Cox died at his home in Canada on Saturday. He leaves his wife Doreen (55) and daughters Liz and Joanne.

Vimal Hardat, president of Cricket British Columbia, said: “Cliff will be one of the few who make it into the history books of Canadian cricket and cricket overall. With his passing a legend has passed from the world of cricket.”

Cricket Canada president Ranjit Saini praised Mr Cox and the “foundation of Canadian cricket.”