Essex County Cricket Club are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former Essex cricketer Roger Luckin, who passed away on Tuesday 28 October aged 85 years-old.
Born on 25 November 1939 in High Easter/Pleshley, Essex, Roger Alfred Geoffrey Luckin was a left-handed batter who featured for Essex Cricket in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Luckin attended Felsted School, where his exceptional talent quickly became clear. In 1956 he was recognised as the leading Public Schools batsman in the country, and his performances earned him the opportunity to play at Lord’s in school competitions in 1956 and 1957.
After leaving school, he continued his education at Writtle Agricultural College before going on to Cambridge University. His cricketing journey progressed alongside his studies, and he joined Essex Cricket in 1956 as part of the Second XI.
In 1961, Roger firmly established himself in the Second XI – scoring 417 runs at a very impressive average of 59.57.
The following year, Luckin made 26 first-class appearances as an amateur (the last player to play as an amateur) and accumulated 651 runs. One of the highlights of his career came that season when he shared a memorable 206-run sixth-wicket stand with Barry Knight, equalling an Essex record – which stood for 49 years. The feat is made all the more poignant given that Knight passed away around the same time as Luckin. During that stand, Luckin made his highest first-class score of 82.
In 1963, Roger Luckin featured in three further first-class matches, and later continued his involvement in the game by appearing in Minor Counties cricket for Cambridgeshire between 1969 and 1972.
Roger was a lifelong member of the Club and he remained a regular and popular supporter at Chelmsford.
Essex County Cricket Club extends sincere condolences to Roger’s family, friends and all those who are connected with him. May Roger Alfred Geoffrey Luckin rest peacefully, he will be sadly missed.
