Sydney, Nov 16 (IANS): Australia's youngest ever Test captain Ian Craig passed away here Sunday. He was 79.

Craig became the youngest state cricketer, representing New South Wales at the age of 16, and the youngest Australian player at 17. He was also Australia’s youngest team captain at 22.

Cricket Australia (CA) chairman Wally Edwards and Cricket New South Wales (CNSW) chairman John Warn paid their tribute.

“We were very sad to learn of Ian’s passing and on behalf of CA, I extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and former teammates at this difficult time. Ian earned a very special place in the proud history of our game as the youngest Australian to make a first-class double century, gain Test selection and captain his country," Edwards said.

“Beyond those remarkable achievements, I will always remember him as a true gentleman. I thoroughly enjoyed his company and views on the game over many years. He will be sadly missed and will forever be remembered as one of the elite few to have captained his country in Test cricket.”

Craig is survived by his wife Ross and children Andrew, Jonathan and Alex.

The Yass-born played 11 Tests from 1953 to 1958 in which he scored 358 runs with a highest score of 53. He also captained Australia in five Tests - winning three and drawing two.

In first-class cricket, Craig led New South Wales in 48 matches, winning 28, drawing 17, losing two and trying one.

Overall, he played 144 first class matches where he scored 7328 runs with a highest score of an unbeaten 213. He also hit 15 centuries and 38 half-centuries.