NZC pays tribute to Eric Tindill

New Zealand Cricket has today offered its condolences to the family and friends of former New Zealand cricketer Eric Tindill.

“Snowy” Tindill, who has died aged 99, was the world’s oldest surviving Test cricketer.

The left-handed wicket-keeper batsman wore BLACKCAP number 31 in five Tests for New Zealand, making his debut against England at Lord’s in 1937.

The talented sportsman also represented New Zealand in rugby, turning out for the All Blacks from 1935 to 1938, touring both England and Australia.

Tindill made his First-Class debut in a Plunket Shield match for Wellington against Auckland in the summer of 1932/33 with his career spanning 18 seasons until 1949/50. Like many of his generation, his cricket was interrupted by World War 2, during which he served as member of the NZEF.

In a match against South Australia he caught out Don Bradman in the only match the Australian legend played against New Zealand.

In all, he made 3,127 First-Class runs at 30.35, with six centuries with a top score of 149. With the gloves he took 96 catches and completed 33 stumpings.

In offering his condolences, New Zealand Cricket CEO Justin Vaughan acknowledged the massive contribution Tindill made as player, selector, umpire and administrator.

“Eric was a great servant to sport in this country - and as a double All Black, reached the very pinnacle of sporting performance in this country,” Vaughan said.

“His achievements as a player in many sports, umpire and referee, as well as other amazing deeds reads like a Boys Own story.

“We are unlikely to see the likes of Eric Tindill again, and he leaves behind a very special legacy.

“All of us at NZC and the cricketing fraternity were saddened to hear of the loss to the Tindill family and wish to pass on our heartfelt condolences.”