Eric Tindill's great innings comes to an end
In the Dominion Post , Mark Geenty pays tribute to Eric Tindill, the oldest Test cricketer and rugby international who died at the age of 99 in Nelson.
George Binoy
25-Feb-2013
In the Dominion Post, Mark Geenty pays tribute to Eric Tindill, the oldest Test cricketer and rugby international who died at the age of 99 in Nelson.
The quietly spoken Tindill prided himself on fairness and impartiality. The World War II veteran (New Zealand Expeditionary Force), All Black, New Zealand wicketkeeper/batsman, test rugby referee and test cricket umpire never regretted his part in the famous "try that wasn't" at Athletic Park in 1956.
All Black Ron Jarden, playing for New Zealand Universities, carved up the touring Springboks from inside his own half and the packed house erupted. But the touch judge stood firm downfield with his flag raised, and referee Tindill quickly reversed his try decision.
"It's probably one of the best tries I've ever seen," said Paul Tindill, then a St Pat's College pupil sitting in the Millard Stand.
So remarkable was the sporting life of Eric Tindill, who has died in New Zealand at 99 years and 226 days, that being the longest lived of all the 2,600 men who have played test cricket was far from his greatest achievement, writes Huw Richards in the New York Times.
George Binoy is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo