Last updated on .From the section Cricket

Former England and Sussex captain Ted Dexter has died aged 86.

He led Sussex to victory in the first two editions of the limited-overs Gillette Cup and went on to make a surprise two-Test comeback in 1968.

In a statement, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) described Dexter as "one of England's greatest ever cricketers".

"He was captain in 30 of his 62 Test matches and played the game with the same sense of adventure and fun that captures much of the story of his remarkable life."

The statement added that Dexter passed away peacefully in the Compton Hospice in Wolverhampton at midday on Wednesday, 25 August, surrounded by his family.

An attacking middle-order batsman, Dexter scored 4,502 runs at an average of 47.89 for England and took 66 wickets at 34.9.

He was renowned for the power with which he hit the ball and arguably his most famous innings was against the West Indies at Lord's in 1963 when he came in at 0-1 and smashed 70 off 73 deliveries. And six of his nine Test centuries were bigger than 140.

He missed the start 1964-65 tour of South Africa to stand as a Conservative Party candidate for Cardiff South East but joined the team as vice-captain after coming second in the ward.

After retiring, he helped devise a ranking system for Test players and was chairman of selectors for England. Dexter was also a regular on the BBC's TV coverage of England home Test matches and was a newspaper columnist.

The ranking system was adopted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and formed the basis of today's system.

However, he had a difficult time as selector after inheriting a weakened England team between 1989 and 1993.

He was later named president of the Marylebone Cricket Club and was awarded a CBE in 2001.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said they were incredibly saddened to learn of Ted Dexter's death, adding the former England figurehead "will be remembered both for his dashing and attractive strokeplay and his wide interests outside the game".

England's current players wore black armbands as a mark of respect during day two of their Test match against India at Headingley on Thursday.

World cricket's governing body, the ICC, also paid tribute, calling him "one of the greatest batsmen of his time".

ICC acting chief executive Geoff Allardice added: "His ability to dominate fast bowling was admirable and his superb batting against the West Indies and Australia teams is remembered by all. On behalf of the ICC, I would like to extend my condolences to his family and friends"

Speaking on BBC Test Match Special, England captain Joe Root called Dexter a "brilliant servant to the game".

"I never had the pleasure of spending much time with him, but he did send me some emails out of the blue when I wasn't playing so well telling me how to get back to where I was," he added.

Former England international Mike Atherton said Dexter will be remembered for "the way he played the game".

"He was a great stylist who played with great flair and adventure. It's a day to celebrate a full and varied life, 86 - he squeezed every last drop out of life. I was very fond of him. He gave me my first cap and made me captain".

Dexter's club side Sussex said they were "deeply saddened" to hear of their former player's passing.

Source: BBC News

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