Willie Watson, one of Yorkshire's finest batsmen and a double international at cricket and football for England, has died at his home in Johannesburg, aged 84.

The left-handed Watson, who was born in Huddersfield, played for Yorkshire between 1939-57, scoring 13,953 first class runs with 26 centuries. He then moved on to captain Leicestershire before retiring in 1964 having scored 25,670 runs with 55 centuries during his career.

Fittingley, Yorkshire played Leicestershire at Headingley yesterday in the opening totesport League match of the season and both teams lined up for a minute's silence as a mark of respect.

Watson played in 23 Tests for England and will always be remembered for his 109 against Australia at Lord's in 1953 when his epic partnership with Trevor Bailey saved the match.

He played football for Huddersfield Town and Sunderland and was later manager of Bradford City and Halifax Town.

Watson featured in four football internationals for England and took part in the 1950 World Cup in Brazil.

Dickie Bird, who was taken to Leicestershire by Watson, said: "In my opinion Willie Watson was one of the greatest batsmen on a bad pitch that I have ever seen and the only better ones were Walter Hammond and Len Hutton.

"I often partnered him at the crease for Leicestershire and I have lost a great friend who was also a superb cricketer."

Former Yorkshire and England captain, Brian Close, said: "Willie was a magnificent sportsman, a wonderful player and delight to watch."