India’s oldest Test cricketer Madhav Mantri dies at 92

NEW DELHI: Tributes were paid Friday to Madhav Mantri, India´s oldest surviving Test cricketer and a former manager of the national side, after he died overnight at the age of 92.

Mantri, who was an uncle of former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar, acted as a mentor to the likes of Sachin Tendulkar during a long career as a player, national selector and administrator.

"Very deeply saddened to hear of the death of Madhav Mantri. Gentleman, disciplinarian and wonderful old world manners always put cricket first," the commentator Harsha Bhogle tweeted.

Ravichandran Ashwin, an offspinner in the current Indian side, also said he was "very sad to hear about the passing away" of Mantri. "May you rest in peace, sir," he added on Twitter.

Mantri, who played four Tests between 1951 and 1955, was best known as a wicket-keeper. Although his international record was modest, he was a prolific run-scorer in the domestic Ranji trophy competition.

After retiring in 1968, he held a series of positions in the Indian board, including as manager of the side that toured England in 1990 -- one of Tendulkar´s first overseas tours.

He died in a hospital in Mumbai after a recent bout of ill health, reports said. (AFP)

Actress Sheila MacRae dies at 92

Sheila MacRae is best known for her role as the wife of bus driver Ralph Kramden named Alice on 1960s 'The Honeymooners'. (Reuters)

Actress Sheila MacRae, who is best known for her role as the wife of bus driver Ralph Kramden named Alice on 1960s ‘The Honeymooners’, has died at the age of 92.
Her granddaughter Allison Mullavey said that the actress died in Englewood, NJ on March 6, reported Ace Showbiz.
“She lived a good life and she lived a long time,” Mullavey said.
MacRae was born Sheila Margaret Stephens in London. Her family sent her to live in Long Island, New York, before the
World War II. In 1941, she married Gordon MacRae who was popular for his hits such as “Rambling Rose”, “So in Love” and ”It’s Magic”.
The couple often performed together on TV. They appeared in an episode of “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1964 where The
Beatles performed. The couple got divorced in 1967. MacRae’s TV credits included “General Hospital” and ”Search for Tomorrow”. She also took part in quiz “What’s My Line?”. She also starred in movies such as 1950′s “Backfire”, ”Caged”, “Pretty Baby” and 1964′s “Bikini Beach”.
In addition to TV and movie appearances, MacRae performed on Broadway plays including “Absurd Person Singular” which debuted in 1974.
MacRae is survived by a daughter, actress Heather MacRae, and two sons, William Gordon MacRae and Robert Bruce MacRae. Her other daughter, actress Meredith MacRae, died in 2000.