English icon, Ray Illingworth passes away at the age of 89

Following a long battle with esophagal cancer, English icon, Ray Illingworth passed away at the age of 89 years on 25th December, leaving behind a cricketing legacy that the entire cricketing world came together to grieve.

Ray was an off-spin all-rounder and lived a career in the field for a staggering 32 years that started with his appearance for Yorkshire in 1951 at the tender age of 19. He played a decade at Leicestershire from 1969 to 78 and also lifted the much-coveted trophy in his last season in 1983. To add to the beauty of it, he was 51 years old when the last trophy as a player for him came home.

Besides his glorious domestic career, he was also an instrumental part of the English national side that saw him leading his nation to a triumphant outing in the 1970-71 Ashes where England walked out with the bragging rights by a significant 2-0 margin. He represented England in 61 Test matches between 1958 and 1973.

Yorkshire County Cricket Club took to Twitter to express their deepest condolences, citing, “We are deeply saddened to learn that Ray Illingworth has passed away. Our thoughts are with Ray's family and the wider Yorkshire family who held Ray so dear to their hearts."

Apart from his cricketing nous, he was a towering figure in terms of numbers as he managed to stitch together 1836 runs at an average of 23.24 and claimed 122 Test wickets. In domestic cricket, he managed to stitch together 24134 runs and claim 2072 wickets which was an industrial part of the three County championships that he led England to.

ECB chief executor, Tom Harrison quoted, “It's always incredibly sad to lose a person who has given so much to the English game, and to the sport of cricket in general. Ray was a superb cricketer, and his deep love, passion and knowledge for the game meant he continued to contribute long after his playing days had finished. We send our sympathy and warmest wishes to Ray's friends and family at this difficult time."