Since the death of former Surrey and England bowler Joey Benjamin was announced on Tuesday, many of his teammates and other figures in the game have paid their tributes.
Benjamin played for Surrey between 1992 and 1999, making one Test and two ODI appearances for England in the middle of that time at The Oval. After retirement he remained close to the game, coaching at Reigate Grammar School & Reigate Priory CC.
Following the announcement of his death on Tuesday, lots of ex-Surrey players have shared their condolences & memories online.
Surrey’s captain through the late 1990s and early 2000s, Adam Hollioake was closer than most in the game to Joey.
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Some of the other players in those Surrey teams through the 90s included Ali Brown, Mark Butcher, Alex Tudor, Jonathan Batty & Martin Bicknell.
It was an honour to share the field with Joey Benjamin. A beautiful soul with an infectious smile and a personality that lit up every room he entered. Never had a bad word for anyone and bar his navigational skills was as good a team mate as you’d find. RIP my friend. x
— Ali Brown (@The_Lord3) March 9, 2021
Ah, Mr Benjamin… He used to swing & sting – just like his beloved Robert Cray. So many great memories from his time @surreycricket – another great man gone. X https://t.co/zEpjMJP8o8
— mark butcher (@markbutcher72) March 9, 2021
So sad to hear about the passing of the #bigdog as Ben & I use to call him Joey Benjamin, such a lovey man & gave me so much joke & had so many sayings I still use to this day. Thinking of his family & close friends at this very sad time #RIPBenj
— Alex Tudor (@alextudorcoach) March 9, 2021
Deeply saddened to hear the news of Joey Benjamin’s passing. I’ll miss his huge smile and infectious chuckle. I always loved catching up with “Papa Joe” when ever we saw each other. RIP Benjy
— Jonathan Batty (@jonathanbatty) March 9, 2021
Just heard some shocking news about the loss of Joey Benjamin. Joey was one of a kind, incredibly popular in the Surrey dressing room back in the day, so sad. RIP Benjy
— Martin Bicknell (@bickers1969) March 9, 2021
Several of the Club’s current staff also shared their reactions to the news, including player Jade Dernbach, Director of Women’s Cricket Ebony Rainford-Brent & Chairman Richard Thompson.
Very sad news to lose one of our own. My sincere condolences go out to Joeys friends and family. https://t.co/8AhDUly0dC
— Jade Dernbach (@Jwd_16) March 9, 2021
Such sad news today. Sending love and condolences to Joey Benjamins family ❤️ #RIP https://t.co/SzpUYIeVas
— Ebony Rainford-Brent (@ejrainfordbrent) March 9, 2021
Hard to find the words to reflect on the loss of Benji. Joey Benjamin wore the Brown cap with immense pride and gave his all for @surreycricket Taken way far too soon but leaves a smile and a spirit that won’t be forgotten. RIP pic.twitter.com/o18NlP0P46
— Richard Thompson (@rich_thomo) March 10, 2021
