Officials at Essex County Cricket Club have paid tribute to former player Mike Denness, who died from cancer aged 72.
The Brentwood resident was regarded as the "model cricketer" during his three year spell at the club between 1977 and 1980.
A right handed opening batsman, he made than more than 4,000 runs across 83 matches, and was a prominent member of the side which won the Championship and the Benson & Hedges Cup in 1979.
Prior to his success with Essex, Mike Denness played 28 tests for England and led as captain on nineteen occasions.
He also batted for Kent for 14 years, captaining the side from 1972 to 1976.
Derek Bowden, chief executive of Essex County Cricket Club said, "Mike Denness was clearly a cricket legend at Essex, our thoughts will be with his family and friends at this sad time"
Doug Insole, president of Essex County Cricket Club said, "Mike Denness came to Essex at a time when what was needed to turn a team of many talents into a team of match-winners, was just that – a match winner.
"His influence was immediately felt and as we had dared to hope, success followed quickly.
"He was of course, a very good and determined player and he was also an extremely likeable man, much respected throughout the game.
"His contributions both on and off the field for Essex were invaluable, and a deep sense of loss will be felt by all friends he made in the county."
Mike was awarded an OBE in the 2013 New Year's Honours List for his services to sport.
