Kent title-winning bowler Alan Brown dies aged 90

Alan Brown, the former Kent and England bowler, has died aged 90

Brown took 707 wickets in 237 first-class appearances for Kent between 1957 and 1970, becoming one of the county’s most successful bowlers. He ranks 17th on Kent men’s all-time list of first-class wicket-takers.

A former miner from Mansfield, Brown was part of the Kent side that won the County Championship in 1970, ending the club’s 57-year wait for the title. It was his final season with the county.

Brown earned two England caps after being selected for the 1961 tour of India and Pakistan, playing one match in each country.

A second career on the football pitch

Brown’s sporting life in Kent began after he was stationed there for National Service in 1954. Alongside his cricket, he built a productive career in non-league football.

After attracting interest from Arsenal and Gillingham, he joined Gravesend and Northfleet in 1957. He switched from centre-half to centre-forward and scored 22 goals in 43 appearances over four seasons. He later played for Margate, Canterbury City, Deal Town and Whitstable Town.