Ron Draper, the oldest living Test cricketer, died at age 98 in Gqeberha, South Africa. He played two Test matches for South Africa against Australia in 1950. Draper enjoyed a notable domestic cricket career, achieving a batting average of 41.64 before retiring in 1959. His death leaves Neil Harvey, aged 96, as the oldest living Test player.
Ron Draper, recognized as the oldest living Test cricketer, passed away on February 28, 2025, in Gqeberha, South Africa, at the age of 98 years and 63 days, as announced by his family. Draper, a former top-order batsman and occasional wicketkeeper, had played two Test matches for South Africa against Australia in 1950. Following his death, Neil Harvey, who is now 96 years old, becomes the oldest living Test player.
Draper was born on December 24, 1926, and made an impressively memorable debut, scoring a century for Eastern Province on his 19th birthday. Despite his considerable talent, Draper struggled in his international appearances against the Australians, only managing to score 25 runs in three innings, while Harvey excelled by scoring centuries in each match.
His domestic career spanned until 1959/60, during which he maintained a commendable batting average of 41.64. Notably, Draper achieved the remarkable feat of scoring two centuries in a single match during the Currie Cup competition in the 1952/53 season against Border.
Draper spent his final days in a retirement home in Gqeberha, where he passed away on a Tuesday. His son-in-law, Neil Thomson, confirmed the news of his death. Draper’s legacy endures as one of South Africa’s celebrated cricketers, alongside other greats like Norman Gordon and John Watkins, who previously held the title of the oldest Test cricketer at ages 103 and 98, respectively.
Ron Draper’s death marks the end of an era for South African cricket, as he was the last surviving cricketer from the historic days of the sport. His contributions, both on and off the field, are honored as the cricketing community reflects on his achievements. As the mantle passes to Neil Harvey, the cricketing world acknowledges Draper’s legacy and significance in the sport’s history.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
