Former Manningham Mills and Yorkshire batsman Philip Sharpe has died at the age of 77 following a short illness.

Shipley-born Sharpe scored 22,530 runs in 493 first-class matches for Yorkshire, Derbyshire and England, who he represented 12 times in Test cricket and scored one hundred against New Zealand at Trent Bridge in 1969.

Sharpe’s first-class career spanned 20 years between 1956 and 1976, while he played 133 List A matches between 1963 and 1982. An excellent slip fielder, he also took 618 catches in first-class cricket.

He won seven County Championship titles for his home county and Yorkshire president Dickie Bird led the tributes.

Bird said: “I grew up with Philip in the nets at Yorkshire. We both came through the Yorkshire system at the same time.

“He was one of the best slip fielders I ever saw. He would be ranked among the very best alongside the likes of Mark Waugh, Bobby Simpson, Ian Botham and Ian Chappell.

“Philip was also a pugnacious batsman, who was very strong off his back foot. His trademark shot was punching the ball through mid-wicket. He picked up the length of the ball very quickly.

“In my opinion, he should have played more times for England. His batting record at Test level was fantastic. Averaging over 46 is a big achievement in the international arena.

“My sympathies go out to his family. Philip was a true gentleman and he will be a sad loss to Yorkshire Cricket.”

Sharpe’s passing will be marked on Sunday’s first day of the Roses match at Headingley.