WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club are mourning the death of legendary fast bowler Jack Flavell.

The 74-year-old, a key member of the County side during the 1950s and 1960s, died suddenly at his home at Barmouth in Wales yesterday.

Between 1949 and 1967 Flavell played 401 first-class matches, taking 1,529 wickets at an average of 21.48 and forming a devastating new-ball partnership at New Road with Len Coldwell.

He figured in Worcestershire's County Championship-winning sides of 1964 and 1965, and also played four times for England.

Former team-mates paid tribute to Flavell today. All-rounder Martin Horton said: "He was a magnificent bowler in tandem with Len Coldwell and took umpteen wickets.

"Jack was one of the most feared fast bowlers on the circuit. He was miles better than anything England have got now. He would have played a lot more for England but he was unfortunate that he played at the same time as people like Fred Trueman, Brian Statham and Frank Tyson."

Wicketkeeper Roy Booth added: "He was such an accurate bowler, always on the wickets and attacking, and he was an excellent bowler to keep wicket to. The only one I have seen since at New Road with his accuracy was Glenn Mc-Grath.

"He and Len Coldwell were as good an opening pair as there was in the game at the time, and they complemented each other so well."

Flavell took 100 wickets in a season eight times, his best return being 171 in 1961. His best figures were 9-30 against Kent at Dover in 1955, and he claimed an all-lbw hat-trick against Lancashire at Old Trafford in 1963.

A fine all-round sportsman, he also played football for Walsall and excelled at golf. Flavell ran a restaurant in Claverley after his retirement and later moved to Barmouth where he owned a guest house.