Tributes from the cricket world are being posted everywhere this morning for South Africa's revered anti-apartheid icon, Nelson Mandela, who has died at age 95.
Cricket world pays tribute to Mandela
Mr Mandela had been receiving intense home-based medical care for a lung infection after three months in hospital.
Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser reflected on Mandela's great love of cricket in his tribute, when he remembered his first meeting with him in 1986.
"He was a tall, spare man standing very straight with a steady eye. He was a person of natural grace and dignity," Mr Fraser said.
"He looked at me and said, 'Mr Fraser, is Donald Bradman still alive?' Later I was able to take a bat to Mandela, signed by Bradman, with the following notation: 'To Nelson Mandela, in recognition of a great unfinished innings'.
"Of all the people I have met, he was by far the greatest."
Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser reflected on Mandela's great love of cricket in his tribute, when he remembered his first meeting with him in 1986.
"He was a tall, spare man standing very straight with a steady eye. He was a person of natural grace and dignity," Mr Fraser said.
"He looked at me and said, 'Mr Fraser, is Donald Bradman still alive?' Later I was able to take a bat to Mandela, signed by Bradman, with the following notation: 'To Nelson Mandela, in recognition of a great unfinished innings'.
"Of all the people I have met, he was by far the greatest."
There was a minute's silence at the Adelaide Oval this morning and both Australia and England players are wearing black armbands.
Cricket Australia Chairman Wally Edwards said: "The hearts of Australian Cricket go out to our friends and colleagues in South Africa at this sad moment in the nation’s history.
"Cricket is forever richer for Mr Mandela's contribution and ability to see the game as a way of uniting people of all cultures and backgrounds. His legacy will never be forgotten."
The International Cricket Council (ICC) President Alan Isaac and Chief Executive David Richardson also paid tribute.
"Nelson Mandela was a towering symbol of resistance, a leader, an activist, and a man who recognised the power of sport to inspire and bring people together," said Mr Isaac.
"Mr Mandela never compromised his principles and his beliefs in justice and equality. As South Africa's first black President, Mr Mandela recognised and utilised sport as a mechanism to unite the divided people of South Africa and create a shared national identity and pride. As a statesman, he was remarkable, and as a man, he was inspirational."
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: "This is extremely sad news not only for all those in my home country of South Africa, but around the world. Mr Mandela was celebrated for his unwavering dedication to human rights, equality and respect. He was and will forever remain a true hero."
Twitter Tributes
The Australian team pays its respect to Nelson Mandela during the minute's silence. pic.twitter.com/w4SKmFkIYv
— CA Digital Media (@CricketAus) December 6, 2013
The England team & the Adelaide crowd observing the minute's silence to mark the passing of Nelson Mandela. pic.twitter.com/450lPmrxcz
— CA Digital Media (@CricketAus) December 6, 2013
The world has lost a great man. RIP Nelson Mandela.
— Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) December 6, 2013
A very sad day ...the most remarkable and respected man "Nelson Mandela"has passed away he will be missed by all !! RIP
— Ian Botham (@BeefyBotham) December 5, 2013
Very sad day as we say our goodbyes to the warrior for human rights and peace Nelson Mandela 1918-2013. May you RIP
— Matthew Hayden AM (@HaydosTweets) December 5, 2013
As cricketers we are blessed in meeting great people along our journey! Nelson Mandela was a GREAT!! #RIP
— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) December 5, 2013
#RIP Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest human beings of modern times. An inspirational leader & visionary.
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) December 5, 2013
RIP. HERO. RT @piersmorgan: BREAKING NEWS: Nelson Mandela has died, aged 95. One of the great men of history. RIP.
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) December 5, 2013
RT @NelsonMandela: “Death is something inevitable.When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people&his country,he can...
— westindies (@westindies) December 5, 2013
Sad day to hear of Nelson Mandela passing! Incredible human that left an amazing legacy! Very fitting to see so many tributes! #RIPMandela
— Ian Holland (@IanHolland22) December 5, 2013
@YCCCDizzy sad day
— Steve Blacker (@s_blacker) December 5, 2013
Will never forget his greeting to Devon Malcolm in Soweto."I know you. You are the destroyer."
— peter hayter (@rugfindageneral) December 5, 2013
Remembering Lord's - Nelson Mandela's former lawyer discusses cricket, apartheid and watching Don Bradman: http://t.co/ChilwxzTGI
— Lord's Ground (@HomeOfCricket) July 26, 2013
RIP Tata Mandela. It is because of you that a represented Proteas team can express their talent across the globe #mandela
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) December 5, 2013
RIP Nelson Mandela! You made a difference, you will be missed! pic.twitter.com/WLbc4h5ltO
— Andrew McDonald (@andrewmcdonald4) December 5, 2013
Thoughts with Nelson Mandela's family and all our friends in South Africa @OfficialCSA #ripnelsonmandela
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 5, 2013
Tonight the world lost a pure soul. Go well Madiba. It is thanks to you that people want to believe in better. #nooneisbornaracist
— Sean Ervine (@slug_7) December 5, 2013
It is sad when an icon passes away no matter how old. Nelson Mandela changed a nation and the world. #RIP
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) December 5, 2013
Thoughts with you all in South Africa today
— David 'Bumble' Lloyd (@BumbleCricket) December 5, 2013
A Great man has left us today... #RIPNelsonMandela
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 5, 2013
Today the world has lost an icon, a man whose legacy is larger than life. Madiba, you changed your nation, the world and generations to come
— Daren Ganga (@DarenGanga) December 5, 2013
RIP to a Legend. Left a legacy which is almost impossible to be repeated. #Mandela #truelegend
— Vernon Philander (@VDP_24) December 5, 2013
True legend of this world! Best example of how to live without holding any grudges of the past! Regret I never met him! #RIPMadiba #respect
— johan botha (@johan_botha) December 5, 2013