'Great sadness': Cricket rocked by sudden death of former Test bowler
The cricket world is mourning the sudden death of English fast bowler Joey Benjamin, who died on Tuesday at the age of 60.
Benjamin, who played one Test match for England in 1994, died after suffering a heart attack.
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Born in St Kitts and Nevis, the right-arm fast bowler became a fan favourite in English cricket.
After initially signing for Warwickshire he enjoyed a career-best stint at Surrey between 1992 and 1999.
"It is with great sadness that today Warwickshire County Cricket Club has learned of the passing of former fast bowler Joey Benjamin," his former club announced on Tuesday.
"Benjamin enjoyed four seasons with the Bears where he made 25 First Class and 26 List A appearances, taking a combined 87 wickets across both formats.
"The thoughts of everyone at Warwickshire CCC are with Joey's family and close friends at this difficult time."
Surrey added: "Surrey County Cricket Club is mourning the loss of Joey Benjamin. The Club flag on top of the Micky Stewart Members' Pavilion is at half-mast."
In 1994 Benjamin played his one and only Test match at the Oval against South Africa at the age of 33.
He took 4-42 in the first innings before Devon Malcolm’s match-winning nine-wicket haul in the second.
Benjamin then earned a spot in England's squad for the 1994-95 Ashes tour of Australia, but a bout of Chicken Pox laid him low and he was never selected in the XI.
He did play two one-day internationals on the tour, one against Australia in Sydney and the other against Zimbabwe in Brisbane.
Benjamin finished his professional career with 387 first-class wickets at an average of 29.94.
After retirement he coached at Reigate Grammar School in Surrey.
Cricket world mourns tragic death of Joey Benjamin
Former Surrey teammate Martin Bicknell led the tributes to Benjamin on social media.
"Just heard some shocking news about the loss of Joey Benjamin," Bicknell tweeted.
"Joey was one of a kind, incredibly popular in the Surrey dressing room back in the day, so sad. RIP Benjy.
"Joey was absolutely outstanding for us in the mid-1990s, particularly that 1994 season.
"He hustled batsmen and nicked them off with his outswinger. He was a fine bowler and even though he didn't start until pretty late he was unlucky not to play more Test cricket.
"It's come as a massive and terrible shock to all of us that he's been lost to us, he seemed so incredibly fit."
Fellow teammates and fans also expressed their shock.
Just heard some shocking news about the loss of Joey Benjamin. Joey was one of a kind, incredibly popular in the Surrey dressing room back in the day, so sad. RIP Benjy
— Martin Bicknell (@bickers1969) March 9, 2021
Very sad to here of the passing of Joey Benjamin. A kind man who I have known since I was 10 years old. Watching him bowl at Dudley CC. 60 years of age is far to young. Someone who defied the aging process. RIP BENJY
— Dean Headley (@deanheadley585) March 9, 2021
So sad to hear that former @WarwickshireCCC, @surreycricket & @englandcricket bowler Joey Benjamin has died.
He was 60.
Benjamin took 4/42 after being picked to play for England in a Test against South Africa in 1994.
Thoughts with his friends & family. #bbccricket pic.twitter.com/g81VNaAfoC— Test Match Special (@bbctms) March 9, 2021
Surrey County Cricket Club is mourning the loss of Joey Benjamin, who died on Monday 8th March following a heart attack, aged 60.
The Club flag on top of the Micky Stewart Members' Pavilion is at half-mast.— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) March 9, 2021
Joey Benjamin – 1961-2021
It is with great sadness that today Warwickshire County Cricket Club has learned of the passing of former fast bowler Joey Benjamin.
📝 https://t.co/AAQZUZy3rI#OnceABearAlwaysABear pic.twitter.com/68U805T5pW— Warwickshire CCC 🏏 (@WarwickshireCCC) March 9, 2021
Joey Benjamin was a fantastic cricketer, inspiring coach to many and a lovely man. He will be greatly missed by all in our community who had the privilege to know him. @PrioryLlamas @surreycricket
— Reigate Grammar Sport (@RGSSport) March 9, 2021
Absolutely gutted to hear that we lost Joey Benjamin today. A wonderful teammate, fierce competitor and a master of the art of fast bowling. But more than that just a really decent human being. Thanks Benjy for the many many happy memories. 💔@bromleycc @surreycricket #RIPBenjy https://t.co/4p7SFiOiq1
— Kumaran Ramanathan (@1967KR) March 9, 2021
It was an honour to share the field with Joey Benjamin. A beautiful soul with an infectious smile and a personality that lit up every room he entered. Never had a bad word for anyone and bar his navigational skills was as good a team mate as you’d find. RIP my friend. x
— Ali Brown (@The_Lord3) March 9, 2021
I can't quite believe it. Joey Benjamin was such a close friend to many llamas, especially my dad. A really friendly guy, who loved cricket and coaching more than anyone. A really sad day
— Nick Harmer (@HarmerLlama) March 9, 2021
Former England, Surrey and Warwickshire bowler Joey Benjamin has died at the age of 60.
Benjamin took 4-42 against South Africa at The Oval in his one and only Test appearance in 1994. pic.twitter.com/3XqiMdqdr0— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) March 9, 2021
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