London: Former England opener John Edrich passed away on December 23, aged 83. A statement from Surrey said, Edrich died of natural causes on December 23rd, at his house in north Scotland.
Edrich, who also captained England in one Test, was considered as one of England’s finest ever openers. He had suffered from cancer that was cured over treatment eight years ago.
Known for his resolute batting as an opener, Edrich averaged 43.54 in 77 Tests for England with a highest score of 310 no. The innings of 310 contained a record 52 boundaries – the most by any player in a Test innings.
In an international career that spanned 13 yers from 1963, Edrich also partook in the first ever men’s One Day International. He scored the first boundary and the first-ever fifty in men’s ODI cricket.
Coming from a family of cricketers, Edrich had a flourishing First Class career with Surrey, the club where he would serve as President later. Edrich played over 500 First Class games and scored a total of 103 centuries over the long career.
Edrich was awarded an MBE in 1977 for his outstanding contribution to cricket. After his playing career was over, Edrich also had terms as selector and batting coach of the England men’s team.