Walter Hadlee ill

The father of Test great Sir Richard Hadlee is gravely ill after suffering a stroke.

The 91 year old former Test cricket captain of New Zealand suffered the stroke after a hip replacement operation.

Sir Richard and the rest of his extended family are at his bedside in a Christchurch hospital. Although unable to talk, he is conscious and smiles when he hears the voices of his grandchildren.

Walter Hadlee played for NZ in 11 Tests and was captain in the inaugural Test Match played between New Zealand and Australia in 1946.

Considered the patriarch of NZ cricket; he not only played but dedicated many years as an administrator, selector, chairman and president.