Former England Ashes-winning captain, head coach and chairman of selectors Ray Illingworth has died at the age of 89 after a battle with esophageal cancer.

Ray Illingworth’s Professional Career Spanned a Remarkable 32 years

As an offspinning all-rounder, Ray Illingworth’s professional career spanned a remarkable 32 years. From his debut for Yorkshire in 1951 at the age of 19, a decade at Leicestershire from 1969 to 1978. And eventually until his last trophy-winning season as Yorkshire captain in 1983, when he led the club at the age of 51. Directed to Sunday League.

In between, he represented England in 61 Test matches between 1958 and 1973. Most notably on the victorious tour of Australia in 1970–71, where he led his side to a 2–0 series victory in an inconsistent campaign. Which included seven scheduled Tests. Also the first ODI of the game in January 1971 in Melbourne.

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After retirement, Ray Illingworth remained a key figure in English cricket, first as an unshakable pundit on BBC TV coverage, before becoming the national “supremo” in the mid-1990s, a position of unrivaled authority in which he coached and Served as National Selector

“We are deeply saddened to learn that Ray Illingworth has passed away,” Yorkshire County Cricket Club wrote on Twitter. “Our condolences go out to Ray’s family and the wider family of Yorkshire. Who held Ray so dear to their hearts.”

Ray Illingworth was a Great Player in his Own Right

Apart from the tactical acumen with which he built his reputation as a captain. Ray Illingworth was a player in his own right, completing the 1000-run/100-wicket double in Test cricket. Scoring 1,836 runs at 23.24 and 122. 31.20.

Overall, he amassed 24,134 first-class runs and 2,072 wickets. And led Yorkshire to three consecutive County Championship victories from 1966 to 1968.

ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: “It is always incredibly sad to lose a man who has given so much to the English game and the game of cricket in general.

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“Ray was a prolific cricketer, and his deep love, passion and knowledge for the game meant he continued to contribute long after his playing days had ended. We thank Ray’s friends and family during this difficult time.” Sending our sympathies and warm wishes to you.”

In his final interview last month, Ray Illingworth revealed his cancer diagnosis. And called for assisted dying to be legalized in the UK after seeing the way his wife Shirley was afflicted with the same disease.

Illingworth Tells The Telegraph I Don’t Want My Wife To Have The Last 12 Months

“I don’t want my wife to have the last 12 months,” Ray Illingworth told the Telegraph. “She had a terrible time going from hospital to hospital and in pain. I don’t want that. I’d prefer to go in peace. I believe in assisted dying. No joy in life past 12 the way my wife was It was months and I don’t see the point of living like that, to be honest.”