Town's first test cricketer dies

Rochdale-born cricketer Tommy Greenhough, who played four test matches for England between 1959 and 1960, has died aged 77 at Hurstead House Nursing Home.

The leg-spinner twice took 100 wickets in a first class season and played three home tests against India in 1959 and one against South Africa the following summer.

His second test, at Lord's, saw him take 5 for 35 in India's first innings, earning him a place on the legendary Lord's honours board. He took 16 test wickets at an average of 22.31.

Greenhough toured the West Indies in 1959-60 but didn't play a test and was included in the MCC squad against Australia in 1961 but didn't feature in the game.

He signed for Lancashire in 1950 aged 16, although his cricket career was almost ended that winter when he broke both of his ankles while working at John Bright's cotton mill. He recovered to make his Lancashire debut in 1951 and went on to play 255 first-class matches, taking 751 wickets.

After retirement, Mr Greenhough worked for the housing department at Rochdale Council and helped to coach youngsters at Littleborough Cricket Club.