Former Australia batsman Peter Burge dies

Former Australia Test batsman Peter Burge died on Friday aged 69, the Australian Cricket Board said.

Burge, who made his Test debut for Australia against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1954-55, played 42 Tests for Australia, scoring 2290 runs at an average of 38.17. He scored four hundreds with a highest score of 181 against England at The Oval in 1961.

He also enjoyed a remarkable career with Queensland, making 91 first-class appearances in a career that spanned from 1952-53 through to 1967-68. He captained Queensland on 28 occasions and only last year was named in the state's cricket team of the century.

As an ICC Match Referee, Burge officiated in 25 Tests and 63 one-day internationals after making his debut in the first Test of the 1991-92 series between New Zealand and England.

In paying tribute to the late Burge, ACB chairman, Bob Merriman said he had been one of the game's finest servants in a number of areas, whether it be as a player, administrator or match referee.

"On behalf of the Australian Cricket Board, I would like to express sincere condolences to the Burge family, including Peter's wife Joan and sons Hugh and John," Merriman said.

"I had the priviledge of knowing Peter for well over 30 years where it was quite evident that he was a man totally devoted to the game and the interests of Australian cricket.

"His contribution to cricket has been immense and it comes with great sadness that we say farewell to one of the game's great identities. He will be sadly missed, particularly in Queensland where he served as a valued member of the board at Queensland cricket," Merriman added.

Burge was awarded the Member of Order of Australia (AM) in 1997 for service to cricket as a player, administrator and international referee, and to harness racing, an industry with which he enjoyed a long association.

He is survived by his wife Joan, his sons Dr Hugh Burge and John Burge, two grandchildren and a brother.