Former New Zealand batsman John Reid dies aged 64

The left-handed batsman played 19 Tests and 25 ODIs between 1979 and 1986. In this time he scored 1,929 runs for his country

Former New Zealand batsman John Reid has died at the age of 64.

The left-handed batsman played 19 Tests and 25 ODIs between 1979 and 1986. In this time he scored 1,929 runs for his country. His Test average of 46.28 is the second-highest of anyone who has batted more than 20 times for New Zealand - only Kane Williamson is ahead of him.

Reid represented New Zealand in the days before their players were full-time cricketers. He was a geography teacher and turned down a tour to West Indies in 1985 so he could devote time to his students.

After retiring from cricket, he coached at various levels. Reid was caretaker coach of New Zealand for the 1994-95 season and was assistant coach of the White Ferns during their victorious Women's World Cup triumph in 2000.

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Paying his tributes, New Zealand Cricket chief executive, David White, said: "His passing is an enormous loss and our thoughts are with his family and close friends.

"Quite apart from anything else, John was the most lovely, engaging man who inspired all those around him, including generations of young men and women cricketers.

"He will be greatly missed."

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