Ray Illingworth, the former England captain, breathed his last on Saturday, December 25, aged 89. The off-spinning all-rounder began his first-class career in 1951 and retired in 1983, aged 51. He scored 24,134 runs and picked 2072 wickets in his 32-year career which included the season double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets an astonishing six times. Illingworth also led Yorkshire to three County Championship titles.
He represented England in 61 Tests, scoring 1836 runs and picking 122 wickets. He also led the team to victory in the 1970-71 tour to Australia. Illingworth continued his association with cricket in various forms even after retirement – as a commentator, administrator and coach.
The thoughts of everyone at the ECB are with the friends and family of former England captain, head coach and chair of selectors Ray Illingworth.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 25, 2021
