John Edrich dead: Former England batsman dies aged 83

A left-handed opener, Edrich played 77 tests and scored over 5,000 runs at an impressive average of 43.54

John Edrich has passed away aged 83 (Getty)

Former England batsman John Edrich has passed away at the age of 83, it has been confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

The left-handed opener, who also starred for Surrey, played in 77 Tests for his country and proved to be prolific scorer, totalling 5,138 runs at an average of 43.54.

Edrich was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2000 and could count on 103 first-class centuries in a glittering career, which saw him recognised with an MBE in 1977.

Sir Ian Botham wrote on Twitter: "Very sad news today to wake up on Christmas Day and to be told that John Edrich has passed away !!

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"A wonderful man who I was lucky enough to spend some quality time with...RIP"

ECB CEO Tom Harrison said: "With John's passing, we've lost a prolific and fearless batsman - one of the select few who have scored more than 5,000 runs for England.

"His duels with some of the world's best fast bowlers were legendary, and it's a testament to his ability that his 310 not out against New Zealand in 1965 remains the fifth highest Test score by an English batsman.

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"He will be sadly missed, and our thoughts are with his family and friends."

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