Former SA cricketer Denis Lindsay dies

Denis Lindsay, the famous South African cricketer of the 1960s, died in Johannesburg on Wednesday night at the age of 66 as the result of a short illness.

Ali Bacher, who played with Lindsay in various Test teams of that era and captained him during the victorious 1969-70 series over Australia, said on Thursday: "Denis was diagnosed with cancer of the bladder earlier this year and it spread. He fought the illness with the same courage that he displayed on the cricket field. He was a great team man."

Bacher described Lindsay, who represented his country in 19 Tests, as "one of the dominant forces" in South African cricket during its golden era of the sixties.

He was at the top of his game during the 1966-67 series against Australia in South Africa when he bludgeoned 606 runs in the four-match Test series - including three centuries and a top score of 182 in the first Test at the Wanderers - at an average of 86.57. He was at that stage the most successful wicketkeeper-batsman in world cricket.

He was the son of another South African wicketkeeper, Johnny Lindsay, who played three Tests against England in 1947.

Lindsay is survived by his wife, Val, and four daughters. The funeral is expected to take place early next week but details will be announced later. - Sapa