ENGLAND opening batsman Wayne Larkins has died aged 71.

The former England and Northamptonshire star, who represented his country in 13 Tests and 25 ODIs died after a short illness.

Popularly known as “Ned”, Larkins played in fits and starts for England between 1979 and 1991.

His second England appearance was in the 1979 World Cup final.

But his finest hour came when hitting the winning runs at Sabina Park as England took an unexpected 1-0 lead on the 1989-90 tour of the West Indies.

It was the first time England had beaten the West Indies in 16 years.

“We are devastated but we’ll never forget his undeniably unique presence and his impact on our lives, we will carry him in our hearts forever.”

Larkins spent most of his career with Northamptonshire making more than 700 appearances for the club.

He later moved to Durham in 1991 and has spells at Minor Counties Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire before retiring in 2001.

Over the course of his career he scored 40,000 runs and amassed 85 hundreds.

Larkins’ wife Debbie said: “Ned loved everyone he met and everyone loved him. People were drawn to his infectious energy.

“He lit up every room and never wanted the party to finish.

“He will be partying up in the sky, drinking a toast to everyone and to his own life.