Former NZ batsman passes away

Bill Playle, who played eight Tests for New Zealand between 1958 and 1963, has passed away. He was 80.

Christchurch [New Zealand]: Former New Zealand Test batsman Bill Playle passed away, aged 80.

Playle, who played eight Tests between 1958 and 1963, had 2,888 runs from 85 first-class matches at an average of 21.87, with four hundred and nine fifties to his name. He made his debut against England in Birmingham at the age of 19.

Manawatu-born Playle went on to score 115 runs from his eight Tests, with a high score of 65.

New Zealand, also known as BlackCaps, took Twitter to share the statement.

"New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is saddened to hear of the passing of former Auckland and NZ Test batsman Bill Playle," BlackCaps said.

"Bill played eight Tests, all against England, before moving to Perth in the mid-1960s, where he represented Western Australia for three seasons. Bill died in Coffs Harbour, aged 80," the statement added.