Former Kent wicketkeeper-batsman David Nicholls died in hospital on Tuesday lunchtime after a sudden illness. He was 64.

Mr Nicholls was scheduled to attend last Sunday’s celebratory luncheon for Kent's capped players’ at the St Lawrence ground, but had already been taken poorly.

Born in East Dereham, Norfolk, but educated at Gravesend Grammar School, he became a crowd-pleasing favourite for his chunky stature and aggressive, left-handed batting.

A short and portly man, he liked nothing better than to take on the tall quick bowlers by trying to hit them out of the attack. He was, however, less successful against spin bowling.

He made his Kent first team debut against Cambridge University in 1960 aged only 16 years and 183 days and he remains the third youngest debutant in the county’s history.

He went on to play 201 matches for Kent, scoring a shade over 7,000 runs at an average of 22.23. He also took 362 catches and 13 stumpings as a reliable keeper.

His maiden century for Kent, 211 against Derbyshire at Folkestone in 1963, remains a county record for the highest debut century. Sadly, he only scored one more century to go with 34 career half-centuries.

Capped in 1969,he only once scored 1,000 runs in a season in 1971 and retired in 1980 after a benefit season that raised £36,050.

A keen golfer, he supported dozens of Kent beneficiary golf days since.

Former Kent President Derek Ufton said: "It was a pleasure to have David around the place.

"I was captain of the 2nds when he joined the staff. He made his debut and then quickly progressed through to the first-team.

"His career highlight was the 211 he scored against at Folkestone. It was a great innings from a talented player. He will be sadly missed by so many.”

His funeral details have yet to be announced.