Former New Zealand Fast Bowler Bob Blair Passes Away on His 94th Birthday

New Delhi, June 24: Former New Zealand fast bowler Bob Blair has passed away, coinciding with his 94th birthday.

Blair played 19 Test matches for New Zealand between 1952 and 1964, claiming 43 wickets at an average of 35. His domestic cricket career was equally impressive, taking 330 wickets at an average of 15 across 59 first-class matches. He primarily represented Wellington, with some appearances for Central Districts.

His standout season was 1956-57, where he took 46 wickets at an astonishing average of just 9. During this season, he achieved the remarkable feat of taking nine wickets in an innings twice.

Blair gained significant recognition during the 1953 tour of South Africa. While playing in the second Test at Ellis Park, he received the tragic news that his fiancée, Nerissa Love Tangiwai, was among the 151 victims of a rail disaster. Despite this heartbreaking news, he continued to play.

On the second day, when New Zealand’s last wicket fell, Blair came out to bat alongside injured player Bert Sutcliffe. Together, they added 33 runs for the final wicket, with Blair scoring 25 runs off an over bowled by South African spinner Hugh Tayfield, which set a world record at the time. This poignant moment moved players and spectators alike.

This incident is regarded as one of the most emotional moments in cricket history and later inspired the creation of the “Tangiwai Shield,” launched in 2024 by New Zealand Cricket and Cricket South Africa.

Blair’s international career continued until 1964, when he played his final Test against South Africa in Auckland, taking seven wickets in a memorable farewell.

Even after retiring from cricket, Blair remained involved in the sport. He played until the age of 60 and later coached in various countries, including Queensland, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Northern Ireland, and England.

Ultimately, he settled in Cheshire with his wife, Barbara, maintaining his lifelong connection to cricket. To honor his memory, the New Zealand team will wear black armbands during the first day of the third Test against England.

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