Auckland: Former New Zealand skipper Bevan Congdon passed away on Saturday, one day short of his 80th birthday after a long bout of illness.
Congdon, who led New Zealand to their first Test win over Australia, skippered the side on 17 occasions.
Congdon made his New Zealand debut in 1965 and played 61 Tests in a career spanning 13 years.
Batting mostly at No. 3, he scored 3,448 runs at an average of 32.22, and scored seven hundreds including two in back-to-back innings in England in 1973.
He is survived by his wife Shirley, his daughters Ali and Sandy, and grandchildren Matthew, Joshua, Lily and Reeves.
“Bevan was at the centre of the New Zealand team at a time it started gaining attention on the international cricket scene for the all the right reasons — in no small part due to his leadership and ability,” NZC chief executive David White said.
“He’s left a real legacy in terms of putting New Zealand cricket on the map, and I know the wider cricketer family — not just in New Zealand but worldwide, will be mourning his loss.”
