Eric Tindill- Oldest "All Black" and Test Cricketer Dies at 99!

Oldest "All Black" and Surviving Test Cricketer Eric Tindill Dies at 99

New Zealand All Blacks Piri Weepu and Molly Tindill with former New Zealand All Black and Test Cricketer Eric Tindill in his 99th birthday at his home on December 18, 2009 in Wellington, New Zealand

Eric Tindill- who has the unique status to represent New Zealand in both Cricket and Rugby as a player and referee (Rugby) and Umpire (Cricket) died on Sunday in Wellington Hospital. He was 99 years 226 days.

At 99 years, he was the longest living Test Cricketer and oldest Rugby international.

A left-handed batsman and wicketkeeper, Eric Tindill played five cricket Tests for New Zealand between 1937 and 1947. He also represented the All Blacks rugby team 17 times between 1935 and 1938, making his only Test appearance in a 13-0 loss to England in 1936.

He was referee in two rugby Tests between the All Blacks and British and Irish Lions in 1950 and New Zealand's second Test against Australia in 1955. He then umpired New Zealand's cricket Test against England at Christchurch in the summer of 1958-59.

Although George Dickinson, Curly Page, Charlie Oliver, Jeff Wilson and Brian McKechnie also represented New Zealand in both rugby and cricket, Tindill was the only player to play Tests in both the sports.

May His Soul Rest in Peace!

News Courtesy: The Canadian Associated Press
Image Courtesy: Zimbio.com