HEYWOOD Cricket Club have paid tribute to former New Zealand captain John Reid who has died at the age of 92.

During a Test career spanning 1949 to 1965, Reid won 58 caps for his country and became one of the game's leading all-rounders.

In 1952 Reid spent the first of three consecutive English summers as a professional with Heywood in the Central Lancashire League, where he developed his fast-medium bowling skills.

A spokesperson for the club said: "John Reid played for the club for three seasons from 1952-54 and famously did the double in his final season with an incredible 1,373 runs and 113 wickets, a truly astonishing feat."

Reid also led New Zealand on 34 occasions, most notably in their first three victories as a Test-playing nation - against the West Indies in Auckland in 1956, then twice against South Africa in 1961/62.

After retiring with 16,128 first-class runs and 466 wickets, Reid went on to become a selector and team manager for the Black Caps as well as an ICC match referee.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said: "John R Reid was, and will remain, a household name in this country, having helped pave the way for everything that has come in his wake.

"Our thoughts and respect are with his family at this time: wife Norli; children Alison, Richard and Ann, and his grandchildren, Oliver, Megan, Christina and Angus.

"NZC will acknowledge and mark John's wonderful life and career at an appropriate time."

International Cricket Council chief executive Manu Sawhney said: "This is a sad day for cricket. John was not only a top all-rounder of his time but a fine captain as well.

"I extend my heartfelt condolences from everyone at the ICC to the family of one of the greats of the game and one whose career as a player, captain and match official will be long remembered."