Auckland: All-rounder Bruce Taylor, described by New Zealand Cricket as a “force of nature”, has died aged 77 after a prolonged illness, the country’s cricket board (NZC) said.
Taylor remains the only cricketer to score a century and take a five-fer on Test debut. This feat was achieved at the hallowed Eden Gardens during the 1964-65 tour of India. Walking out at No 8, he struck 105 with the bat before registering figures of 5 for 86 with the ball.
“NZC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of all-rounder, Bruce Taylor, aged 77,” the NZC said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with his family and close friends,” it added.
He also scored New Zealand’s fastest Test century in a game against West Indies in 1969 before the record was broken by Daniel Vettori 36 years later.
In all, Taylor represented the Black Caps in 30 Tests, scoring 898 runs at an average of 20.40. He also took 111 wickets at 26.6, including a 7 for 74 against the West Indies in 1972.
Taylor also played 141 first class games for Canterbury and Wellington, scoring 4579 runs and taking 422 wickets. He also played two ODI games for New Zealand.
Post his playing career, Taylor served as a selector for Otago and later took up selection duties for the senior men’s side, picking the squad that made the semifinals of the 1992 World Cup. (UNI)