West Indies cricket is mourning the death of former wicketkeeper Thelston Payne, a friend of Bermuda, who passed away today at the age of 66.

Payne, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer, was a stylish left-handed batter and reliable wicketkeeper who played his only Test match against England at Queen’s Park Oval in 1986. He featured in a team that included West Indies greats Viv Richards, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Richie Richardson, Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall and Courtney Walsh.

An understudy to Jeff Dujon for much of his career, Payne took five catches in that match, and also played in seven one-day internationals between 1984 and 1987.

He toured Bermuda on several occasions throughout his career, culminating in appearing for a West Indies XI in the World Cricket Classic in 2006. The tournament largely featured retired players, although the Bermuda team comprised those who would go on to the historic Cricket World Cup the next year. South Africa, captained by Robin Smith, the former England batter, beat Bermuda in the final at the National Sports Centre.

“On behalf of CWI, I offer sincere condolences to the family and friends of Thelston Payne,” said Kishore Shallow, the president of Cricket West Indies. “He is one of those unsung heroes of West Indies cricket who served the game at all levels for over four decades. During his playing career, he was a dynamic keeper and stylish batsman and was part of the great era of West Indies cricket when we dominated world cricket, under Sir Clive Lloyd and Sir Viv Richards.”

Shallow added: “After his playing days were over, he made a meaningful contribution as a coach and mentor in Barbados at the grassroots level. He also played a key role in the development of many players. His contribution will be remembered and we will remain grateful to this stalwart of cricket.”

The West Indies Players’ Association joined in on the condolences for Payne, who was born in St Philip, Barbados, and played at regional level between 1978 and 1990.

“We’re sad to hear the news that Thelston Payne has passed away,” said Wavell Hinds, the president and chief executive of the WIPA. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.”