Oldest English Test player Reg Simpson dies at 93

Former England cricketer Reg Simpson, who is the oldest surviving player to have played in a Test match for the country, has reportedly passed away at the age of 93.

Simpson made 27 Test appearances for England, the highlight of which was an unbeaten 156 against Australia in Melbourne in the final Test of the 1950-51 Ashes series.

According to Sport24, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive David Collier paid tribute to the late cricketer, saying that Simpson was an elegant opening batsman who served his country with distinction both as a pilot in the Second World War and a fearless fast bowler.

Collier further said that Simpson's 156 in Melbourne led England to their first post-War Test victory in Australia, adding that Simpson held a deep passion for the game.

Simpson also played in 495 first-class matches, amassing 30,546 runs, and served on the Nottinghamshire committee for 37 years after retiring, with the county's chairman Peter Wright saying that Simpson would have achieved even more in the game if his career had not been put on hold for the outbreak of World War II in 1939.

Image: Reg Simpson

Photograph: Central Press/Getty Images