In neither role did he often hit the headlines, but his consistency and reliability was big factor in the success that Derbyshire enjoyed through the 1930s.
Worthington played Test cricket nine times for England, starting with the New Zealand tour in 1929/30.
In the second game, he shared a fourth wicket partnership of 266 with Wally Hammond that remains a record for Tests between England and India.
He then toured Australia and New Zealand with Gubby Allen, but an attempt to turn him into an opener was not a success, and he played no more Test cricket.
Worthington with Derbyshire stayed for a couple of seasons after the Second World War and then played Minor counties cricket for Northumberland.