91-year-old England international, Doug Insole passes away

England Cricket has been hit with a sad news as former England Test player Doug Insole is no more. Insole who played for County Club Essex passed away at the age of 91. The all-rounder featured in 9 Test matches for the national team after he broke into the international scene in 1950. Insole’s career also boasts of 54 first class hundreds, out of which one was at the Test level.

Background:

He was popularly known for his career off the field for his stints as the President of the Essex County Club and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) which own the iconic Lord’s stadium. Besides occupying these honorary positions, Insole also acted as the Chairman of selectors for the England cricket team for 19 yeas. Interestingly he was the person in-charge when Geoffrey Boycott was dropped despite scoring a double hundred.

Though Insole was an all-rounder, his main strength was his batting. The cricketer was also effective with his medium pace, with the ability to pick up wickets when needed. The news of his passing away was revealed by the Essex County Cricket Club on the 6th of August. The club hailed Insole as one of the finest cricketers and administrators of the game who was loved and respected by everyone.

“Doug was one of the most outstanding players and administrators in cricket and affectionately known by everyone at the Club as ‘Mr Essex’,” the club said on its website.

Insole made his Test debut against the West indies and ironically his last Test was also against the same. He made his Test debut in July 20, 1950. 7 years later he played his last Test which was on 30th May, 1957. The cricketer who was born in Clapton, London made it to the list of Wisden Cricketers in the year of 1956. The valiant warrior passed away on 5th August.