A KING of spin on the cricket field has died at the age of 56 after a battle with cancer.

Kevin Poulter, who played for Hook and Newnham Basics and Hampshire Seniors as a left-arm spin bowler, was diagnosed with the illness four years ago, but underwent extensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment to take his place in an England South representative side for an International Fifties tournament in Sri Lanka in March 2016.

His England selection was a reward for his performances for the Hampshire Over-50s side, for which he took 65 wickets in five seasons.

While competitive, ‘KP’, as he was known, was always regarded as a ‘gentleman’ cricketer.

He was a mainstay of Hook, taking almost 250 Southern Premier League wickets and he enjoyed success in the Guy Jewell Cup.

Having started his career at Basingstoke and being a Hampshire Colt, he joined Basics in the late 1980s and after the team merged with Hook and Newnham in 1993, he has been there ever since.

Good friend and Hook teammate for all his time at the club, Keith Lovelock said: “He spent over 30 years with the club which sums up the man. He was very professional and a real role model for the club and loved by everyone. He was respected by opposition players and umpires.

“I will miss him as he was like a brother. We shared a love of horse racing sharing tips and going to the races.”

Hampshire Seniors president John Richard added: “I loved watching him bowl his left arm overs.

“I remember an innings against Somerset a year or two ago which showed that could bat well. He was also an excellent golfer and staunch supporter of the Seniors’ group.

“Kevin played his cricket and golf seriously, he was rightly keen to win. For me he was a nice friendly colleague with a ripe sense of humour.”

Mr Poulter’s funeral will take place at Basingstoke Crematorium on Tuesday, May 8 at 3.30pm, followed by a wake at Test Valley Golf Club.