Middlesex Cricket today is deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of its greatest cricketers John Murray at the age of 83. JT was taken Ill at Lord’s shortly after the completion of Middlesex’s County Championship match against Warwickshire yesterday and died later in the evening.
In a 24 year career, Murray played 508 first-class and 147 List A games for Middlesex, claiming a total of 1,418 dismissals as wicket-keeper and scored 17,519 runs. He represented England in 21 Test Matches and is widely regarded as one of the finest wicket-keeper batsman English cricket has produced.
Club President John Emburey said:
"Losing JT is a devastating blow to Middlesex Cricket. He is undoubtedly the finest wicketkeeper in the history of the Club and would be one of the first names on any team sheet when picking an all-time Middlesex XI. What he achieved is unlikely to be repeated.
"He was not only a very fine cricketer, but was a fine man – loyal and committed to Middlesex Cricket. He was a Middlesex man through and through and he continued to serve the club magnificently after retirement as a Committee man, confidant and, most of all supporter. In many ways, it was fitting that his last day was spent at Lord’s enjoying a Middlesex victory.
"He will be sorely missed by all at Middlesex, in particular those players that he formed such a close relationship with in the early years of his career.
"The thoughts and prayers of everyone associated with Middlesex go out to his family and friends at this desperately sad time."
The Middlesex flag at Lord’s will be flying at half mast in John’s memory.
