World's oldest Test cricketer Lindsay Tuckett passes away at 97

South Africa’s Lindsay Tuckett, who was the world’s oldest surviving Test cricketer, has passed away at the age of 97 in Bloemfontein on Monday. Since debuting in the 1947 Tour of England, the bustling seam bowler played 9 matches and picked up 19 wickets at an average of 51.57 with two five-wicket hauls.

Born in Durban to Len Tuckett, who was also a Test cricketer, the right-hander began his first-class career for Orange Free State in the 1934/35 season at the age of just 16. However, the Second World War put a stop to sporting activities and hence he had to wait until his 28^th birthday before getting the taste of international cricket.

Interestingly, his uncle Joseph Cox had played three Tests as well. Operating from a smooth run-up, Tuckett was strongly-built and could bowl long spells. He was a handy lower-order batsman too.

Since establishing himself as one of the most promising pacers in the domestic circuit, Tuckett‘s maiden Test appearance came at Trent Bridge against an England batting lineup featuring stalwarts such as skipper Sir Len Hutton, Dennis Compton and Bill Edrich.

Though the pitch was rather benign with temperatures soaring relentlessly, he utilized his deceptive in-swingers to make an immediate impact with figures of 5/68, which included the prized scalp of Compton.

But, injuries and sending down plenty of overs took a toll on his career which ended in England’s return tour to South Africa during 1948/49. He eventually bid adieu to the first-class arena in the 1954/55 season.

Following the death of fellow countryman Norman Gordon (at 103) on September 2014, Tuckett became the world’s oldest surviving Test cricketer. Ewie Cronje, Hansie Cronje's father, had then said, “Tuckett today still drives his own car. Yes, at 95, he drives his own car. Amazing. He is fit enough to bat for another five years. He is a very humble man, has three sons and does not like to be in the limelight. I know him well for over 60 years. He was known as Mr. Cricket in the Free State in the 1950′s-1970s.”

Tuckett finished fourth in the list of longest-lived Test cricketers ever. He now passes on the mantle of the oldest surviving player to John Watkins who represented South Africa in 15 Tests from 1949 to 1957.

With the passing away of Lindsay Tuckett, former SAf pacer @ 97y-212d, the world's oldest surviving Test player is SAf John Watkins 93y-148d

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) September 5, 2016