West Indies cricket great David Murray dead at 72
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. (AP) — David Murray, a three-time world batting champion, died at his home on Tuesday of heart problems, leaving behind a family to mourn the loss of the best batsman in the history of the game.
The 69-year-old Australian native and former Test player died peacefully at his home on Cape Cod, leaving behind his wife of 26 years, a child and a sister and brother-in-law.
“The world cricket family was saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend, Australian cricket international and World Number One David Murray. Our thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time,” Australian cricket chairman Michael Clarke said in a statement.
“He was a wonderful man and one of the most successful and revered cricketers of his generation. He played a pivotal role in Australia’s Test successes of the 1980s and 1990s, winning the World Cup in 1987 and making a major contribution to winning the Ashes in England in 1988.
“A great, powerful and fearless player, he was the first Australian player to score a century on the ground where he made his Test debut, Lord’s. He won both the ICC’s and Wisden’s International Cricketer of the Year in 1987, captained Australia in England in 1988 and was a genuine Test champion in his three-decade career.”
He starred for Australia in both world wars. He also played for New Zealand and England.
“David was an extraordinary and unique player of international cricket and a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He was an exceptional friend, supporter and a wonderful role model for all those around him,” chief executive of the Australian Cricketers’ Association Grant Bradburn said.
“David’s contribution to Australian and world cricket should never be forgotten. He will forever be remembered for the great times he enjoyed while representing Australia and also his role as an international ambassador for the game.
“In addition to his remarkable achievements on the cricket field, David was also a brilliant administrator, a keen sporting personality, and most importantly the consummate husband, father and grandfather.”
Murray and his wife, Linda, had two children, three grandchildren and