Ex-England cricket captain Ray Illingworth dies aged 89

Former England cricket captain Ray Illingworth has died at the age of 89.

His former club Yorkshire, confirmed his death in a statement

Illingworth, who led England to a Test series victory over Australia in 1970-71, had been undergoing radiotherapy for esophageal cancer according to Skysports

He played 61 Tests for England between 1958 and 1973, scoring 1,836 Test runs at an average of 23.24 and claimed 122 wickets at 31.20.

Illingworth captained England 31 times, winning 12 of those matches.

A statement from Yorkshire read, “We are deeply saddened to learn that Ray Illingworth has passed away.

“Our thoughts are with Ray’s family and the wider Yorkshire family who held Ray so dear to their hearts.”

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in a statement also said they are deeply saddened to learn of Illingworth’s passing.

ECB chief executive officer Tom Harrison said, “It’s always incredibly sad to lose a person who has given so much to the English game, and to the sport of cricket in general.

“Ray was a superb cricketer, and his deep love, passion and knowledge for the game meant he continued to contribute long after his playing days had finished. We send our sympathy and warmest wishes to Ray’s friends and family at this difficult time.”

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