HAMPSHIRE cricket legend Peter Sainsbury, the only man to play in both of the county’s championship-winning sides, has died. He was 80.

Born in Chandler’s Ford near Southampton in 1934, Sainsbury made his first-class debut for his home county in 1954, after his national service with the army.

The following year he travelled with the England tour of Pakistan – sadly his only opportunity to represent his country on the field – but suffered a momentary crisis of confidence in his bowling which held him back for a couple of years.

The left-arm spinner and right-handed middle-order batsman was a key figure when Hampshire won the County Championship in 1961 and 1973.

He claimed the wicket which won the contest in 1961 when the title was clinched against Derbyshire at Bournemouth’s Dean Park.

In 1973 he was second in the national bowling averages, and three years later in his last year he had only dropped to fourth.

Sainsbury also helped Hampshire lift the Sunday League in 1975, retiring at the end of the following summer.

Only seven men have scored more first-class runs for Hampshire than Sainsbury’s 19,576. And only four have taken more first-class wickets for the county than Sainsbury’s 1,245.

Sainsbury was also an outstanding fielder, taking 617 first-class catches during his 22-year playing career, at the end of which he coached Hampshire, overseeing the county’s first Lord’s final, which they won in 1988.

He was at the heart of the club for almost 40 years.

Former Hampshire players and officials paid tribute to a county stalwart, much loved for his kindness and modesty.

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said: “We are all sharing a profound sense of loss at the sad passing of one of the club’s true legends as both a player and a person.

“Our sympathies and thoughts are with Peter’s wife, Joyce and his devoted family. A sad day for Hampshire Cricket.”

On Twitter, Sir Ian Botham posted a picture of Sainsbury “coming to my aid after Andy Roberts had removed 4 of my teeth!!” before adding: “A great servant to Hampshire!”

Former Hampshire captain Mark Nicholas tweeted: “Am devastated by the loss of Peter Sainsbury. Friend, mentor and cricketer of immense commitment and skill. RIP Sains.”