Oldest Test Cricketer Ron Draper Dies at Age 98 in South Africa

Ron Draper, the oldest living Test cricketer, died at 98 in Gqeberha, South Africa. He played two Tests for South Africa in 1950. Draper was known for his batting prowess, making significant contributions in his first-class career. His passing leaves Neil Harvey as the oldest living Test player at 96.

Ron Draper, the oldest living Test cricketer, passed away in Gqeberha, South Africa at the remarkable age of 98 years and 63 days, according to a statement from his family. Draper was a well-regarded top-order batsman and occasional wicketkeeper, who represented South Africa in two Test matches against Australia in 1950. With his death, Neil Harvey, now at 96 years of age, takes the title of the oldest living Test cricketer.

Draper, who began his cricket career on December 24, 1926, achieved significant milestones, including a century on his first-class debut for Eastern Province on his 19th birthday. He was selected for the final two Tests against Australia after scoring 86 runs against them in 1949/50; however, he had limited success, managing only 25 runs across three innings. In comparison, his opponent Neil Harvey, at 21 years old, performed outstandingly with centuries in both matches.

Despite the challenges he faced on the international stage, Draper remained active in first-class cricket until 1959/60, concluding his career with an impressive batting average of 41.64. Notably, during the 1952/53 season, he scored a century before lunch in his first match and achieved another hundred in the second innings of the following match, making him the first player to accomplish two centuries in a single match in the historically significant Currie Cup competition.

Ron Draper passed away in a retirement home in Gqeberha, with confirmation coming from his son-in-law, Neil Thomson. Draper will be remembered not only for his contributions to South African cricket but also for being part of a lineage of esteemed players from the nation, as previous holders of the oldest Test cricketer title were Norman Gordon and John Watkins, who passed away at 103 and 98, respectively.

Ron Draper’s death marks the end of the legacy of the oldest living Test cricketer, a title he held with pride until his passing in Gqeberha. His cricketing journey, although short on the international stage, was illustrious, highlighted by notable achievements and a commendable first-class career. Draper’s legacy in South African cricket will undoubtedly be cherished, as he joins the ranks of previous cricket legends.

Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com