Ray Ellingworth, former England captain and cricket coach, dies at 89 | cricket

[ad_1]

Yorkshire Cricket Club announced today, Saturday, the death of former England captain Ray Ellingworth at the age of 89. Illingworth, one of the few men to lead England to victory in the Test series in Australia, in 1970-71, was undergoing radiotherapy for esophageal cancer.

Illingworth played 61 Tests between 1958 and 1973, scored 1,836 Tests with an average of 23.24 and claimed 122 wickets at 31.20. He captained England 31 times, winning 12 of those matches.

Ellingworth went on to become England captain between 1994 and 1996, and coached the team in 1995-1996.

Born in Bodsey, Yorkshire, in 1932, his talents in cricket emerged early when he averaged over 100 with bats for his school and showed his proficiency as a medium speed bowler, later adopting a spin. Both deliveries saw him take several wickets for a few runs.

He was also a talented footballer with opportunities to play for two local clubs, Huddersfield Town and Bradford City. But it was his abilities with a small solid red ball for Farsley in the Yorkshire League that quickly brought him to the attention of Yorkshire County coaches. He excelled in Yorkshire seconds and debuted in the first 11 shortly after his 19th birthday.

Illingworth grew in stature, quickly rising to the front in a talented Yorkshire team that won seven county championships in 10 years – he was captain of three of them – between 1959 and 1968.

Despite success on the field, when Illingworth sought a three-year contract, he was bluntly told to “spoil”. His services were quickly secured by Leicestershire, who appointed him captain. Soon after, an injury to England captain Colin Cowdery appointed Illingworth in his place.

He later returned to Yorkshire, initially as team manager, although he was also able to return to playing at the age of 50 in 1982. This period was marred by controversy over Jeffrey Boycott, who was sacked by Ellingworth as captain. Yorkshire County supporters were retaliating by winning control of the Yorkshire Commission – an outcome that brought the end of Ellingworth’s career in Yorkshire.

Ultimately his first-class career spanned 32 years from his debut in 1951 to his last appearance in 1983, and he finished with 24,134 first-class runs and 2072 wickets and was named Wiesden Cricketer of the Year for 1960.

Ray Ellingworth plays for England against the West Indies in 1973. Photo: Colorsport/Rex/Shutterstock

At his best he will be remembered as one of the nation’s best leaders. Notable achievements included Ashes’ away win against Australia in 1970-71. It would have proved a fitting conclusion had he not been lured back into the spotlight as England’s national team boss in 1994.

He joined what was essentially a sinking ship and hopes were high that his clever reading of the game and simplicity of approach would set things right.

Instead, his tenure was a disaster as he regularly clashed with Commander Michael Atherton. Illingworth wrote a book called One-Man Committee in an attempt to express his side of the controversy, but was then accused of bringing the game into disrepute and fined £2,000 for comments relating to bowler Devon Malcolm. On appeal, the fine was overturned.

Illingworth, who could have been confrontational and was never shy about speaking his mind, as coach has not been able to connect with a number of England players.

Tom Harrison, chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, paid tribute to Illingworth on Saturday night, saying: “It is always sad to lose someone who has given so much to the English game, and to cricket in general.

“Ray has been an amazing cricketer and his deep love, passion and knowledge of the game means he has continued to contribute long after his playing days are over. We send our sympathies and best wishes to Ray’s friends and family at this difficult time.”

Ray Ellingworth with England captain Michael Atherton, with whom he clashed. Photo: Andy Hopper/Daily Mail/Rex/Shutterstock

Yorkshire was hailed as “the most successful club captain of the modern era”. The province said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Ray Ellingworth’s passing. His success at the county level has been matched by him on the international stage, enjoying a long career with England as captain.

“Our thoughts are with the Ray family and the wider Yorkshire family who have been so dear to their hearts.”

Leicestershire said: “Everyone at Leicestershire County Cricket Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former captain Ray Ellingworth. Our thoughts are with Ellie’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Marylebone Cricket Club, of which Illingworth was an honorary member in his lifetime, said he was “extremely sad” to learn of his death.

“Cricket has lost a lot,” said Farsley Cricket Club, for which Illingworth continued to prepare pitches for many years.

[ad_2]