Bevan Congdon passes away

Bevan Congdon passes away

 Congdon played 61 Tests, scoring 3448 runs at an average of 32.22 (seven centuries), and 11 ODIs – including captaining New Zealand in their first official limited-overs fixture, against Pakistan at Lancaster Park in 1973. © AFP

Bevan Congdon, the former New Zealand captain, passed away on Saturday (February 10), a day before his 80th birthday, following a long illness.

Congdon captained New Zealand to their maiden Test win over Australia in 1974 and was a part of the squad that brought the side’s maiden win over England.

A batsman and a part-time medium pacer, Congdon played 61 Tests, scoring 3448 runs at an average of 32.22 (seven centuries), and 11 ODIs – including captaining New Zealand in their first official limited-overs fixture, against Pakistan at Lancaster Park in 1973.

He represented domestic sides like Canterbury, Central Districts, Otago and Wellington. The former skipper also had a healthy average of 88.50 in the 1972 tour of the West Indies, and 72.40 on the tour of England a year later.

It was on this tour that Congdon scored 176 in the first Test at Trent Bridge and 175 in the second Test at Lord’s, prompting the timeless remark from Brian Johnston, the BBC radio commentator, that he appeared “to have a weakness in the 170s”.

Congdon continued contributing to the game well after his retirement, featuring in the New Zealand selection panel in the late 1990s.

David White, New Zealand Cricket’s Chief Executive, remarked that Congdon had been a shining light in New Zealand’s Test renaissance through the 1970s and that his passing marked a sad day for cricket.

“Bevan was at the centre of the New Zealand team at a time it started gaining attention on the international cricket scene for the all the right reasons – in no small part due to his leadership and ability,” said White. “He’s left a real legacy in terms of putting New Zealand cricket on the map, and I know the wider cricketer family, not just in New Zealand but worldwide, will be mourning his loss.”

Heath Mills, New Zealand Cricket Players Association Chief Executive, paid tribute to Congdon saying, “Bevan played in a largely amateur era for New Zealand cricketers and made great sacrifices for the good of the game here.

“He wasn’t only relevant to his peers and team-mates, but to everyone since who’s been inspired by his exploits, and boosted by his willingness to help. All past and present cricketers, I know, will be saddened by his passing.”

Congdon is survived by his wife Shirley; his daughters Ali and Sandy, and grandchildren Matthew, Joshua, Lily and Reeves.