(Reuters) – New Zealand’s oldest surviving test player John Reid passed away at the age of 92 in Auckland, the country’s cricket board (NZC) said yesterday.
Former skipper Reid played 58 test matches for the Kiwis, scoring 3,428 runs including six centuries and bagged 85 wickets between 1949-1965.
A hard-hitting batsman and fast bowler, Reid captained New Zealand to their first three test victories.
The first came against West Indies at Auckland in 1956, which ended a winless streak of 26 years for the New Zealand team. The second and third both came during New Zealand’s drawn series in South Africa in 1961-62. “He (Reid) was, and will remain, a household name in this country, having helped pave the way for everything that has come in his wake,” said NZC chief executive David White in a statement https://www.nzc.nz/news-items/john-r-reid-dies-at-92.
“NZC will acknowledge and mark John’s wonderful life and career an appropriate time.”
After retiring from test cricket, Reid took up the role of a national selector and team manager before working as a match referee for the International Cricket Council (ICC) from 1993-2002.
“This is a sad day for cricket. John was not only a top all-rounder of his time but a fine captain as well,” ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney said in a statement.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences from everyone at the ICC to the family of one of the greats of the game and one whose career as a player, captain and match official will be long remembered.”
NZC said a private family service will be held for Reid, while a memorial service at the Basin Reserve in Wellington is being planned.
