Craig still holds the record of being Australia and New South Wales’ youngest captain

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Australia’s youngest Test captain Ian Craig has died at the age of 79 after a long battle with cancer.

Craig was just 22-years-old when he given the honour of captaining his country during their tour of New Zealand and South Africa in 1957.

In fact, Craig also holds the record of being the youngest captain in New South Wales history.

“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,” Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards said. “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.”

New South Wales chairman John Warn added: “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.”