NZ Cricket marks death of fast bowler Bob Blair, aged 94

Cricketer Bob Blair's extraordinary legacy remembered

Morning Report

New Zealand Cricket has paid tribute to former fast bowler Bob Blair, who has died aged 94.

While he played 19 tests for New Zealand and had a long domestic career, Blair was most famous for playing in a test match in Johannesburg just hours after hearing his fiancee, Nerissa Love, had been killed in the Tangiwai train disaster in 1953.

The then 21-year-old had initially stayed behind at the hotel to grieve before he joined a bloodied Bert Sutcliffe for a final-wicket stand of 33.

Players from both sides were left in tears.

NZC interim chief executive Graham Parks said Blair's story left an indelible mark on cricket in both countries.

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