Jack Kerr dies at 96

Jack Kerr, who played seven Tests for New Zealand in the 1930s and later went on to become the president of New Zealand Cricket, died in Christchurch on Sunday at the age of 96.

At the time of his death he was the second oldest living Test cricketer, being ten days younger than Eric Tindill, who toured England with him in 1937. He is the third longest lived Test player of all time, behind Tindill and Francis MacKinnon.

A World War II veteran, Kerr maintained a link with cricket after his playing days, taking up coaching and the administration of the game. He was the manager of the New Zealand team which toured South Africa in 1953-54 and he also had a stint as the chairman of the New Zealand Cricket Council.

"Jack [Kerr] made a significant contribution to New Zealand Cricket and the New Zealand Cricket Foundation over a number of years and his support was warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated," New Zealand Cricket Chairman Sir John Anderson said.

Kerr, who was an accountant by profession, was a right-hand opening batsman who had a long domestic career. He scored 4839 runs in first-class cricket at an average of 32.19. He was at his best in 1935-36 when he made 146 not out and 71 for Canterbury against Percy Holmes's MCC tourists, and followed up with two centuries in the unofficial "Tests" - 105 not out at Wellington and 132 at Christchurch.

He passed fifty only once in his seven Tests, when he scored 59 against England at Christchurch in 1932-33. Kerr toured England twice, in 1931 and 1937, and his second trip was the more successful as he tallied 1205 runs at 31.71.