Ron Draper, the oldest Test cricketer at 98, died in Gqeberha, South Africa. He debuted for Eastern Province, scoring a century on his 19th birthday. Draper played two Tests against Australia in 1950 and had a respected first-class career with an average of 41.64, known for scoring two centuries in a Currie Cup match. His death leaves Neil Harvey as the oldest living Test player now.
Ron Draper, the oldest living Test cricketer, passed away at the age of 98 in Gqeberha, South Africa. Born on December 24, 1926, he marked his first-class debut with a century for Eastern Province against Orange Free State on his 19th birthday. Draper played two Test matches for South Africa against Australia in 1950, where he struggled, amassing only 25 runs across three innings.
Despite his challenges in the international arena, Draper enjoyed a successful first-class career, retiring in 1959/60 with an average of 41.64. He notably scored two centuries in a single match during the 1952/53 Currie Cup season, making his mark as the first player to achieve this milestone in South Africa’s established tournament.
Draper’s death was confirmed by his son-in-law, Neil Thomson, indicating he passed away in a retirement home on a Tuesday before the announcement made on Friday. Following his passing, Neil Harvey has now become the oldest living Test player at the age of 96. Draper’s legacy will be remembered alongside previous oldest Test cricketers, Norman Gordon and John Watkins, both South Africans.
Ron Draper’s legacy as one of South Africa’s notable cricketers is marked by both his contributions to the game and his status as the oldest living Test cricketer at the time of his passing. His achievements on the field, particularly in first-class cricket, remain significant despite limited success in international Test matches. Draper’s passing creates a notable shift in the ranks of living Test players, with Neil Harvey now holding that distinction.
Original Source: www.news18.com
