Norman Crookes was an off-spinner and useful lower-order batsman for Natal.
On his first-class debut, in the Currie Cup in 1962–63, he took 5 for 62 and 2 for 48 in Natal's victory over Western Province.
His most significant performance was for a South African Colts XI against the touring MCC early in the 1964–65 season, when in difficult circumstances caused by illness to several of the team he scored 60 and 25 and took 2 for 66 and 5 for 102 and almost brought off a surprise victory.
[3] Crookes continued to play for Natal until the end of the 1969–70 season.
His son Derek Crookes played 32 one-day matches for South Africa between 1994 and 2000.