Former New Zealand captain Barry Sinclair passes away at 85

Former New Zealand skipper Barry Sinclair, aged 85, passed away on Sunday night. Sinclair featured for the Kiwis in 21 Tests between 1963 and 1968, scoring 1,148 runs at an average of 29.43, which included three centuries. He has two wickets to his name as well.

All his centuries were against different countries - South Africa, Pakistan, and England. The 85-year-old became the third Blackcaps batter to reach the 1,000-run mark after Bert Sutcliffe and John R Reid.

Playing for Wellington, Sinclair scored 3,583 runs in 35.12, with two centuries and 26 half-centuries in 68 First-Class matches.

He played 118 FC games, amassing 6,114 runs with six tons and 38 fifties.

The right-hander also played for the Kilbirnie club, scoring 6,000 runs at an average of 50.

Having made his Test debut against England in 1963, he captained New Zealand in three matches; one against England at Dunedin and two against India in the 1966 series.

His last Test was against India in Auckland in 1986.

Sinclair was also the first-ever patron of the New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA) in 2008-09.

Speaking about Sinclair's demise, NZCPA Chief Executive Heath Mills, in a statement, said, "We were all very sad to hear of Barry's passing this morning. We have been blessed to have him involved with the NZCPA for so many years.

"Barry was one of the first past players to sign up to our organisation and loved being involved and helping the current players achieve a better environment in the game.

"We are going to miss him greatly."

He was also awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit during 2016's Queen's Birthday Honours.