Former New Zealand captain John Reid has passed away at the age of 92 after a long battle with colon cancer.
Regarded as one of New Zealand’s best cricket players, John Reid is best remembered for being the team captain who had led the team to its first-ever Test match victory in 1956. Having given the country its first win in 26 years, he also happened to be the top scorer of that game with 84 runs and a wicket. Today, this 1959 Wisden Cricketer of the Year passed away at the age of 92 after a prolonged battle against colon cancer.
Prior to his passing, he was considered as the country’s oldest living Test cricketer and the oldest living cricket player in the world. Upon learning of his demise, New Zealand Cricket CEO David White says, ‘John R Reid was New Zealand cricket's Colin Meads’.
‘He was, and will remain, a household name in this country, having helped pave the way for everything that has come in his wake. Our thoughts and respect are with his family at this time, wife Norli; children Alison, Richard and Ann, and his grandchildren, Oliver, Megan, Christina and Angus. NZC will acknowledge and mark John's wonderful life and career at an appropriate time’, he added.
Reid had his debut in 1949 on a Manchester Test against England. Since then, he continued to play international cricket until 1965. When it comes to Test cricket, he had managed to score a total of 3,428 runs at an average of 33.28. This included six hundreds, including a stunning 142 against South Africa in 1961.
His captaincy was also remarkable as he had led New Zealand in 34 Test matches out of the 58 which he had played in his career. After his playing career had ended, he went on to become a national selector, a team manager, and an ICC match referee. To further understand cricket as a sport, visit Betwala.
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