Former New Zealand batter Bruce Murray passes away at 82

Former New Zealand opener Bruce Murray passed away at 82. The tall batter, who could also bowl leg spin, played a key role in New Zealand’s first-ever Test triumph in Pakistan in 1969. He had scored a gutsy 90 in the historic series while coming agonisingly close to a well-deserved ton.

Apart from having made an impression in the international arena, Murray also proved his mettle in first-class cricket as he made 102 appearances to amass 6257 runs including six centuries. He had played most of his cricket for Wellington.

Bruce Murray: One of the finest batters in New Zealand cricket 

Bruce made his debut in February 1968. As far as his international career is concerned, Murray went on to represent the Black Caps in 13 Tests. He accumualted 598 runs at an average of 23.92 which included five half-centuries. The match-winning 90 runs that he had scored against Pakistan during an away Test series in Lahore in 1969 happens to be his highest score in this format. 

Notably, his future generations have also succeeded in taking their love for the game to a next level as his daughter Jo Murray and son-in-law Robbie Kerr had represented Wellington. Meanwhile, the Kerr sisters of the current New Zealand women’s team Amelia and Jess are Bruce’s granddaughters.

Even though Bruce had a short international career, success and fortune did not come easily to him as he had to toil hard for nearly 10 seasons in Wellington before getting a major breakthrough in New Zealand cricket.

The years of hardwork and determination paid off when he was given a chance against India in the 1968-69 season and he made an instant impact by scoring 54 runs on debut. He followed it up with a 74 in the next Test match which earned him a call up for the England tour in 1969.

His international came to an end in the 1970/71 on a forgettable note as he registered only one run in both innings against England.

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