England's oldest Test player dies

Reg Simpson, the former Nottinghamshire and England batsman, has died at the age of 93. He had been England's oldest surviving Test player.

A tall, stylish opener, Simpson played 27 times for England, scoring four centuries, and captained Nottinghamshire during the 1950s. His most memorable Test innings came against Australia in 1951, when he made an unbeaten 156 as England won an Ashes Test for the first time in 13 years. After retirement, he served on the Nottinghamshire committee and as a director of batmakers Gunn and Moore.

"Reg was a superb opening batsman who excelled against the fastest of bowlers," Nottinghamshire's chairman, Peter Wright, said. "He served Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club with distinction firstly as a player, and then as chairman of finance and president.

"He was an excellent talent and would undoubtedly have achieved even more in the game if his career had not been put on hold for the outbreak of war in 1939. His achievements outside his playing career, firstly during the War as a pilot, and later as managing director of Gunn and Moore will always be remembered."

Simpson was born locally but made his first-class debut for Sind, in India, while serving in the RAF during World War II. He went on to make more than 23,000 runs for Nottinghamshire, as well as 1401 for England at an average of 33.35, after making his Test debut in 1949. In 1950, he was named as one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year.

After retiring, Simpson became a member of Nottinghamshire's committee, on which he served for 37 years, between 1961 and 1998. He most recently visited Trent Bridge during last summer's Ashes Test.

The ECB's chief executive, David Collier, said: "Reg Simpson was an elegant opening batsman who served his country with distinction both as a pilot in the Second World War and as a fearless player of fast bowling.

"His 156 in Melbourne led England to our first post war Test victory in Australia and Reg succeeded Sir Alec Bedser as England's most senior player in 2010. He held a deep passion for the game and for his beloved Trent Bridge . On behalf of everyone at ECB we extend our deepest sympathy to Reg's family."