Godfrey Evans dead

A great entertainer on the field whose enjoyment of life made him a good companion off it, Evans ranks high in a great tradition of Kent wicketkeepers.

He followed his county team-mate Les Ames into England side at the end of 1946 season and was subsequently an inspiration to Alan Knott, who was Kent and England 8216;keeper in the late 1960s and 1970s.

Evans always stood up to bowlers unless they were really fast, proving particularly effective against the fast-medium pace of Alec Bedser in Tests, and he pulled off some athletic catches at his brilliant best.

Bedser, who toured with Evans to Australia in 1946-47, rated him as England8217;s greatest-ever wicketkeeper. 8220;We knew each other for 60 years and we were great mates,8221; said Bedser, a seam bowler who won 51 caps.

8220;To me he was easily the best wicketkeeper that I know of to have represented England. To me he was so quick with his hands. He was magnificent, and I had wonderful admiration for his ability.

8220;He was always jovial and would do anything to help anyone,8221; Bedser said. 8220;He was great company and there was no jealousy in him.8221;

A nimble batsman, he could score swiftly and also defend resolutely, as he demonstrated by going 95 minutes without scoring against Australia in the fourth Test of the 1946-47 series in Adelaide.