Garner was a hugely respected figure in local cricket.

Championship winning former Oxfordshire cricket captain Phil Garner has passed away at the age of 63.

Garner was much admired and hugely respected figure after guiding the county to two Minor Counties titles during his career.

He was involved in the Shipton-under-Wychwood side which won the National Village Championship at Lord's in 2002.

Garner also won international honours by captaining the England amateur cricket team.

Former Oxfordshire team-mate Keith Arnold says the news will deeply sadden all who knew him.

"I was only talking to him a few weeks ago. He had an enormous influence on my own career and many others.

"Also at a personal level he was such an enthusiastic person and always wanted to do things in the right way. It is just tragic that at 63 he has been taken from us, " said Arnold.

Chairman of the Oxfordshire cricket board Chris Clements also echoed those sentiments about Garner's death.

"Phil was a remarkable man, a brilliant captain, a tough opponent and a true leader of people. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts go out Mary and his family at this difficult time, " said Clements.

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