Ron Draper, the oldest surviving Test cricketer, died in South Africa aged 98. Draper was a good right-handed batsman and played two Test matches for South Africa against Australia in 1950, leaving a legacy in the nation’s cricket history.
Born in Johannesburg in 1926, Draper enjoyed a distinguished career at first-class level, playing for Transvaal at home. Although his appearances for his country were few, he was well spoken of for his technical ability and application to the game.
After his retirement from cricket, Draper was still a highly regarded figure in the South African cricket fraternity, frequently contributing to debates on the game’s development. His death is the end of an era, as he was the last remaining South African Test player from the early 1950s.
Tributes have flowed in from cricket boards, past players, and supporters, paying homage to his contribution to the game. Draper’s legacy remains an inspiration to generations of cricketers, reminding them of the rich heritage of South African cricket.
