Wellington: Former New Zealand Test opener, captain and administrator Walter Hadlee died today, aged 91, his family said.

Hadlee, who recently suffered a stroke, died in his home city of Christchurch in New Zealand's South Island.

''We deeply appreciate the public support that we have received in recent weeks and ask that we now be given time to come together as a family,'' his son and former New Zealand fast bowler Richard Hadlee said in a statement.

Walter Hadlee opened the batting for New Zealand between 1937 and 1951, playing 19 innings in 11 Tests, scoring 543 runs at an average of 30.16. He captained the national side in eight Tests from 1946 to 1951.

Hadlee retired from first-class cricket in 1952 after a 29-year career, notching up 7,523 runs in 117 matches at an average of 40.44 , including 18 centuries. He continued to play club cricket for 15 years.

He became deeply involved in the administration of the sport in New Zealand from 1950 to 1983, variously as a national selector, team manager, chairman and president of the national board.

Three of his five sons - Dayle, Barry and Richard - represented New Zealand, with Richard at one stage the world's leading wicket taker with 431 test scalps.

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