Jack Bannister passes away

Jack Bannister, former Warwickshire player and cricket commentator with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), passed away aged 85 on Friday. (January 23).

The news of his death came out when radio station TalkSport, where Bannister worked after BBC, announced on Saturday. On their official twitter account, they wrote, "We are saddened to report that our legendary cricket correspondent Jack Bannister passed away last night aged 85. Rest in peace Jack."

As a fast bowler for Warwickshire, Bannister had played 374 first-class matches and bagged 1198 wickets during his career which spanned from 1950 to 1968.

He was instrumental in the foundation of the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA)."He had a significant role to play with the PCA and he was an admired man around the scene. He was a significant broadcaster in my playing days, late 80s, early to mid 90s and a very respected voice within the game," Mike Atherton was quoted as saying by the Guardian.

"It's a really sad day. He was a true friend. He was a wonderful friend of Richie Benaud too, they were always in correspondence with each other. He was one of the most knowledgable blokes I have ever met in cricket, a wonderful man, a great golf partner and we'll miss him very much," David Lloyd, commentator and former England player, told Press Association Sport."Jack was a true man of cricket, one of the very best. He was great, great fun. When he was in his prime everybody knew him and everybody had a good word for him."