SYDNEY: Former Australian Test captain Brian Booth has died aged 89, Cricket Australia said on Saturday, praising him as an `immensely respected and admired` player.

The middle-order batter played 29 Tests for Australia between 1961 and 1966, including twice as captain during the 1965-66 Ashes series against England when regular skipper Bob Simpson was absent.

He scored 1,773 runs, including five centuries, at an average of 42.21.

A dual-sport athlete, Booth also played hockey and represented Australia at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.

`Brian was immensely respected and admired throughout the cricketing community and beyond, said CA chief Nick Hockley.

`Less than 50 players have captained the Australian men`s Test team and Brian`s name is included on a list that features many of the game`s greats.

`He has had an extraordinary life and will be sadly missed.? Booth played 93 times for New South Wales in the domestic Sheffield Shield, scoring 5,574 runs at 43.5, and was a life member of the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club).-AFP