South African fast bowler Norman Gordon, oldest surviving Test cricketer at 103 years, passed away after a year long illness due to renal complications.
Gordon passed away in his home in Hillbrow, close to the Johannesburg City Centre, where he has lived for over sixty years.
Gordon played five Tests against England back in 1939 taking 20 wickets in all before World War II cut short his international career. His nickname was ‘Mobil’ as he used to apply hairgel to set his flowing mane while bowling.
He was best known for being one of the 22 players, who took part in the epic ‘Timeless Test’ between England and South Africa that was held between March 3-14, 1939 in Durban.
Gordon had bowled 92.2 overs in the match with each over having eight balls as per rule at that time. The match ended on the 10th day as the England team had a train to catch from Durban to board the ship ‘Athlone Castle’ from Cape Town which was already pre-booked.
