FORMER Worcestershire wicketkeeper-batsman Rodney Cass has died at the age of 78.

Cass played for the County in the late 1960s and first half of the 1970s after moving from Essex where he began his first-class career.

He became the latest in a series of Yorkshire-born wicketkeepers to play for the County including Syd Buller, Roy Booth and Steve Rhodes.

All four feature in the top 10 of the most dismissals by a keeper for the club with Wakefield-born Cass responsible for 176 catches and 22 stumpings.

The left-handed batsman achieved his highest first-class score of 172 not out against Leicestershire at Grace Road in 1975.

After leaving Worcestershire he played for Shropshire and became an MCC coach.

Ex-Worcestershire chairman John Elliot said: “Rodney actually succeeded me on the County staff as keeper and he was brave, standing up a lot to the stumps in the same way as Ben Cox does today.

“He was very competitive and dedicated his life to cricket and was an advanced MCC coach who coached all round the world — South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, etc.”

County CEO Matt Rawnsley said: “Rodney kept his links with the club and was often seen at the club’s annual WOPA (Worcestershire Old Players’ Association) day.

"We pass on our condolences to his family and relatives.”