Mark Clayton

Bob Blair passed away at the age of 94. He was the 5th oldest living Test cricketer and the man behind one of the most inspiring stories in New Zealand cricket history. In 1953, NZ toured South Africa for 5 match Test series. During the 2nd Test, 21 year old fast bowler Bob Blair who had made his Test debut only a few months earlier took a wicket on the opening day. The next day was Christmas and rest day. But on the night of Dec 24, tragedy struck back home in NZ. The Tangiwai rail disaster claimed 151 lives after a train crashed when a railway bridge collapsed. Among those who lost their lives was Nerissa Love, Bob Blair's fiance When play resumed on Dec 26, NZ announced that Bob would not take any further part in the match. As New Zealand lost wicket after wicket, everyone assumed the innings was over when the 9th wicket fell. Bob was not expected to bat. But then in one of cricket's most emotional moments, he walked to the crease. Bob balir added 33 runs for the final wicket. The partnership itself was small and New Zealand eventually lost the Test but the courage behind it made it one of the most inspiring moments in cricket history. Since 2024, Test series between New Zealand and South Africa is called Tangiwai Shield named after the Tangiwai disaster RIP Bob (1932-2026)