Former England and Middlesex wicketkeeper-batsman John Murray passed away on Tuesday, July 24. He was 83.
Murray was considered one of cricket’s great stylists – he was elegant with the bat, and graceful behind the stumps – and played 21 Tests for England between 1961 and 1967.
He made his mark, however, in the domestic circuit. He played 635 first-class matches, mostly for Middlesex, and scored 18,872 runs. He left a lasting impression behind the stumps – he ended his career with 1527 dismissals as a wicket-keeper. It was the highest for a decade before Bob Taylor surpassed it.
Murray was at Lord’s on Tuesday, watching Middlesex’s victory over Warwickshire in the County Championship. He fell ill afterwards and passed away that evening.
MIDDLESEX MOURNS JT MURRAY
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Middlesex’s finest cricketers, JT Murray MBE.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this extremely sad time.
Click here ➡️ https://t.co/0XcoLr8feg pic.twitter.com/Q4Ody5YOCp
— Middlesex Cricket (@Middlesex_CCC) July 25, 2018
“Losing JT is a devastating blow to Middlesex Cricket,” said John Emburey, the Middlesex president. “He is undoubtedly the finest wicket-keeper in the history of the club and would be one of the first names on any team sheet when picking an all-time Middlesex XI. What he achieved is unlikely to be repeated.
“He was not only a very fine cricketer, but was a fine man – loyal and committed to Middlesex Cricket. He was a Middlesex man through and through and he continued to serve the club magnificently after retirement as a committee man, confidant and, most of all supporter.
“In many ways, it was fitting that his last day was spent at Lord’s enjoying a Middlesex victory.”
Middlesex said that the county’s flag at Lord’s would be flying at half-mast in tribute to Murray.
