KENT vice captain Matthew Walker has spoken of his admiration for Brian Luckhurst, who died on Tuesday, aged 66.

Walker, who received his player-of-the-year award for 2004 from Mr Luckhurst, spoke of the high regard for a man who achieved much in the game.

He said: "The game was so different back in Brian’s heyday, but as a modern-day pro you have to respect a guy who faced the likes of Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee on uncovered pitches wearing a cap.

"Not only do you need courage and a big heart to do that, you also need a great technique. Yet Brian never would promote himself, he always had a story to tell, but was never boastful.

"Unlike some old pros he would never force advice onto you, he gently persuaded you to put things right but if Brian came up to you at the end of a day with a wink and a 'well done' then you genuinely knew you’d had a good day.

"He was part of the furniture at Kent but was always great to talk to because he had a story for every occasion and kept the game fun.

"You don’t stay around one club for 50 years unless you’re a good bloke and there’s no doubt that Brian was Mr Kent."