Ron Draper, recognized as the oldest living Test cricketer, has passed away in Gqeberha at the age of 98 years and 63 days, as announced by his family on Friday. Draper, a skilled top-order batsman who also occasionally served as a wicketkeeper, represented South Africa in two Test matches against Australia in 1950.
Following Draper’s death, Neil Harvey, who played against him in those matches, now holds the title of the oldest living Test player at 96 years old. Notably, the two cricketers who previously held the title of oldest Test cricketer were also from South Africa: Norman Gordon, who lived to 103 years old and passed away in 2016, and John Watkins, who died at 98 in 2021.
Born on December 24, 1926, Draper marked his first-class debut with a century for Eastern Province against Orange Free State on his 19th birthday.
After an impressive score of 86 for his province against the touring Australian team in 1949/50, he was selected for the final two Tests of the series. However, he managed only 25 runs across three innings. In contrast, Harvey, then 21 and beginning his notable Test career, scored centuries in both of these matches.
Draper continued his first-class cricket career until 1959/60, maintaining a commendable average of 41.64.
In an impressive feat during the 1952/53 season, he achieved a century before lunch on the opening day of his first two matches. In the second match against Border, he added another century in the second innings, making him the first player to score two centuries in a single match in South Africa’s prestigious Currie Cup competition.
Draper passed away in a retirement home in Gqeberha on Tuesday. His death was confirmed by his son-in-law, Neil Thomson, on Friday.
