LONDON, June 19: A talented batsman collapsed and died during a league cricket game, 18 years after his father suffered the same fate while bowling in a match.

The 29-year-old Richard Smith had just been dismissed for 98 for his West Yorkshire Club when he was found dead in the pavilion after suffering a heart attack.

It was thought that he may have had a similar heart condition to his father, David who died in 1985 at the age of 47, after collapsing on the field while bowling for his team, Crossflats, in a match at Silsden.

Richard, who played for Queensbury Cricket Club, died on Saturday last during a Trinity Insurance Halifax League match at Bridgeholme Cricket Club in Eastwood.—PPI