Former captain Ian Craig dies, aged 79

Ian Craig, the youngest Australian to play state cricket and the youngest to play for and captain his country, has died aged 79.

He is survived by his wife Ross and children Andrew, Jonathan and Alex.

He has been remembered as a true gentleman and a peerless captain, who became the 27th man to lead Australia in Test cricket.

Craig was the definition of a precocious cricketer; he made his first-class debut for NSW aged just 16 and, in just his 13th innings, he became the youngest double centurion in the history of first-class cricket.

Aged 17 and 207 days, Craig scored an unbeaten 213 for New South Wales against the touring South African side in January 1953. The innings led to comparisons between Craig and Sir Donald Bradman, whose career had ended less than five years earlier.

Craig was quickly rushed into the Test team and became Australia's youngest ever Test cricketer when he faced the South Africans at the MCG just a month later.

He made 53 in his debut innings and was then selected for Australia's 1953 Ashes tour, still aged just 17.

The British media compared Craig's arrival in the UK to that of Bradman in 1930, but the youngster couldn't live up to expectations and was left out of Australia's side upon his return home.

His career was then interrupted for several years by his university studies and national service, but he returned to England in 1956, where he again struggled to find his feet at Test level, despite resisting for well over four hours against Jim Laker and Tony Lock in the famous Test at Old Trafford.

Image Id: ~/media/16C01E10FCEA43C2BA7D6A2C6DC53A1BImage thanks to the Bradman Museum

He was then sensationally elevated into the role of Australia's Test captain for the 1957-58 tour of South Africa, getting the nod ahead of the more experienced Neil Harvey as the Aussie team started a period of regeneration.

Craig again failed to make much of an impact with the bat, but was regarded as a good leader as Australia's inexperienced side finished the tour unbeaten.

Just as quickly as he rose to prominence, Craig's time in Test cricket was over when a bout of hepaptitis derailed his career. He scored two fifties and averaged 19.88 from 11 Tests.

He retired from cricket at the age of 26 to work in the pharmaceutical industry, finishing his career with 15 first-class centuries and an average of 37.96.

"We were very sad to learn of Ian’s passing and on behalf of Cricket Australia, I extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and former teammates at this difficult time," said Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards.

"Ian earned a very special place in the proud history of our game as the youngest Australian to make a first-class double century, gain Test selection and captain his country.

"Beyond those remarkable achievements I will always remember him as a true gentleman. I thoroughly enjoyed his company and views on the game over many years.

"He will be sadly missed and will forever be remembered as one of the elite few to have captained his country in Test cricket."

Image Id: ~/media/37571C74D1EB4BBAA0BAD34B485EA4C3Image thanks to the Bradman Musuem

Cricket NSW chairman John Warn said: "Ian Craig was a childhood hero to many after becoming the youngest Australian to play for his state and country.

"He retained a great passion for the game long after retiring from first class cricket at the age of just 26, giving strong service as a board member of the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust and the Bradman Foundation.

"A peerless captain for NSW, he was fondly regarded by his former team mates and all those who knew him.

"Ian was a warm, gentle and modest man who will be greatly missed."

IAN CRAIG CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Youngest to play state cricket (NSW): 16 years, 249 days

Youngest to play for Australia: 17 years, 239 days

Youngest Australian men's Test captain: 22 years, 194 days

Test captaincy record: Played 5, won 3, drew 2

First class captaincy record: Played 48, won 28, drew 17, lost 2, tied 1

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