WORCESTERSHIRE'S former wicketkeeper-batsman Roy Booth has died seven days short of his 92nd birthday.

Booth began his career with his native Yorkshire, being part of the first team for 1954 and 1955 campaigns before joining the County in 1956.

Booth was Worcestershire’s first-choice keeper for 13 years and a key member of the 1964 and 1965 County Championship-winning side while also making lower-order contributions with the bat.

In 1964 he became the last player to register 100 dismissals in a season and is one of only seven keepers to achieve that feat.

It was the second time he had reached three figures.

Booth ended his career with 1,125 first-class victims in addition to 10,138 first-class runs including scoring 1,000-plus in a season in 1959.

He retired at the end of the 1968 season but briefly returned in 1970 because of an injury crisis.

He then became a distinguished member of the Worcestershire committee and had a spell as club president.

Worcestershire CEO Matt Rawnsley said: “Our thoughts are with Roy’s family and friends.

“Roy was a genuine legend of the club, a top keeper and more than useful batsman who played a massive role in one of the golden eras of the club.”

Players wore black armbands in the Championship Division One match with Yorkshire at Blackfinch New Road.