Cricket: Lindsay Hassett dies, aged 79

LINDSAY HASSETT, who had the unenviable task of succeeding Donald Bradman as Australia's cricket captain, died yesterday, aged 79. Hassett, who became captain in 1949 following Bradman's retirement a year earlier, died at his home at Bateman's Bay, New South Wales. He had recently had a heart bypass operation.

Bradman paid tribute to his former team-mate, his vice-captain on Australia's triumphant tour of England in 1948, saying: 'I was deeply saddened to hear of Lindsay's death. I valued his advice and loved the great sense of humour which he brought to all situations. The game is poorer because of his passing.'

In 43 Tests, Hassett, a right- handed batsman, scored 3,073 runs at an average of 46.56. He captained Australia 24 times, with a record of 14 wins, four defeats and six draws. He scored a total of 16,890 first-class runs, averaging 58.24.

Obituary, page 28