ICC expresses sadness at the passing of Ray Illingworth

The International Cricket Council has expressed grief at the passing of former England captain Ray Illingworth at the age of 89. Born in Pudsey, Yorkshire, the off-spinning all-rounder, started his first-class career in 1951 at the age of 19.

Illingworth represented England from 1958 to 1973, playing 61 Tests, scoring 1836 runs, and picking 122 wickets. He captained England to a famous 2-0 Ashes victory in 1970/71. Illingworth scored 2 centuries with the willow and also scalped 3 five-wicket hauls in his career with the red cherry in hand.

He had a tremendous first-class career, accumulating 24,134 runs and taking 2072 wickets. He also led Yorkshire to three consecutive County Championship wins from 1966 to 1968.

Ray Illingworth was a giant of England cricket: ICC CEO Geoff Allardice

The Chief Executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Geoff Allardice said that Illingworth was one of the finest players to have led the England cricket team. Adding that Illingworth made a huge contribution to England cricket not only as a captain of the side, but also as the chairman of selectors as well, Allardice concluded by stating that his thoughts are with Illingworth’s family right now.

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “Ray Illingworth was a giant of English cricket and was one of England’s finest captains. He made an enormous contribution to the game, not just as England’s captain, but also as coach and chairman of selectors. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

After retirement, Illingworth turned to broadcast and was a part of BBC’s television coverage. He also served as England’s coach in 1995/96 and was the chairman of selectors between 1994 and 1996.