R.I.P. Tom Graveney OBE

Former England captain and MCC President Tom Graveney has passed away at the age of 88.

Graveney made 11 centuries in 79 Test matches between 1951 and 1969, scoring 4,882 runs at an average of 44.38.

Appointed president of the MCC in 2005, and an honorary life member of the Lord’s club, Graveney played for Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

Graveney also had a spell playing in Australia with Queensland, and remained involved in the sport as a commentator following his retirement in 1972.

Tributes to the batsman poured in from his former counties and throughout English cricket.

Worcestershire chief executive David Leatherdale said: “Tom has been a major figure in Worcestershire’s history and everyone at the club is saddened by today’s news and our thoughts go out to the Graveney family at this sad time.

“He was one of the stalwarts of our first two Championship triumphs and will be hugely missed by everyone at Worcestershire CCC and by cricket as a whole.”

A statement from Gloucestershire read: “Gloucestershire Cricket is deeply saddened by the news that former Gloucestershire captain and England player Tom Graveney has died at the age of 88.”

A message from the Lord’s Twitter account read: “Deeply saddened to hear of the death of former England cricket captain and MCC President Tom Graveney.”

Former England bowler Ashley Giles tweeted: “Very sad to hear that the great Tom Graveney has died. Such a lovely man.”

BBC radio cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew wrote: “Never saw Tom Graveney bat, but he is synonymous with a golden era of England batsmen. Loved a chat in the bar and lived for cricket. RIP.”

Tom was a very stylish quality batsman. RIP

A very fine batsman indeed and a thoroughly nice bloke too.
R.I.P.