BRIDGETOWN (Barbados), Nov 11: Former West Indies captain Denis Atkinson, who figured in one of the most memorable rearguard actions in Test cricket history, died at the age of 75 on Friday.

Atkinson played his part in the fightback by scoring 219 and sharing the world record seventh wicket partnership of 347 with wicketkeeper Clairmonte Depeiza after West Indies slumped to 146 for six in reply to Australia’s 668 in the fourth test of the 1954-55 series in Bridgetown.

All-rounder Atkinson also took five for 56 in Australia’s second innings to secure a draw.

Atkinson’s performance was played in the face of intense pressure from some parts of the Caribbean to have him removed from the captaincy at a time when he had not established himself in the team as a player.

He had been appointed captain because Jeff Stollmeyer was injured, taking over for three of the four Tests he played in that series.

A solid right-hander and medium pace or off-spin bowler, Atkinson played in a total of 22 Tests after making his debut against India in 1948 at New Delhi.

He captured 47 wickets at an average of 35.04 and scored 922 runs at 31.79, with his 219 being his highest score.—Reuters