Oldest Test Cricketer Passes Away at 98 in South Africa

Ron Draper, the oldest living Test cricketer, passed away in Gqeberha at the age of 98 years and 63 days on February 25, 2025. Draper, a top-order batsman and occasional wicketkeeper, played two Test matches for South Africa against Australia in 1950. His death was confirmed by his son-in-law Neil Thomson on February 28, 2025.

Draper had a notable first-class career, averaging 41.64 and achieving several milestones, including becoming the first player to score two centuries in a match in South Africa’s Currie Cup competition. With his passing, Neil Harvey, a former Australian cricketer, now becomes the oldest living Test player at 96.

Key Highlights of Ron Draper’s Life & Career

Personal Details

• Full Name: Ronald Draper
• Date of Birth: December 24, 1926
• Place of Birth: South Africa
• Date of Death: February 25, 2025 (aged 98 years, 63 days)
• Place of Death: Gqeberha, South Africa

Cricket Career

• Role: Top-order batsman, occasional wicketkeeper
• Test Matches Played: 2 (against Australia, 1950)

First-Class Career

• Debut Century: Scored 100 on debut for Eastern Province against Orange Free State on his 19th birthday.
• Impressive First-Class Stats: Finished with an average of 41.64.
• Notable Performance (1949/50): Scored 86 against the touring Australians, leading to his Test selection.
• Test Record: Scored 25 runs in three innings.
• Match vs. Neil Harvey: Played against the Australian legend, who made centuries in both games.

Historic Feats

• First to Score Two Centuries in a Currie Cup Match
• In the 1952/53 season, Draper scored a century before lunch in his first two matches.
• In the second match against Border, he scored another century in the second innings, making him the first-ever player to achieve this feat in South Africa’s Currie Cup history.

Other Oldest Test Cricketers Before Draper

• Norman Gordon (South Africa): Lived to 103, died in 2016.
• John Watkins (South Africa): Lived to 98, died in 2021.

Current Oldest Living Test Cricketer

• Neil Harvey (Australia): Now the oldest living Test cricketer at 96 years old.