Sussex and England legend Ted Dexter has died aged 86.

The MCC announced the death of its former president, who captained his country 30 times this morning.

In a statement they said: “After a recent illness he passed away peacefully in the Compton Hospice in Wolverhampton at midday yesterday, surrounded by his family,” a statement read.

“Ted was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and one of England’s greatest ever cricketers.

"He was captain in 30 of his 62 Test matches and played the game with the same sense of adventure and fun that captures much of the story of his remarkable life.”

Dexter spent 11 years at Sussex from 1957 to 1968, where he skippered them to their first two limited-overs trophy in the club's history, while on the international stage his front-foot approach to challenges was what set him apart.

He made 62 Test appearances for England in total, scoring 4,502 runs, which included nine hundred at an average of just under 48 and taking 66 wickets.

After his retirement in 1972, he went on to chair England’s panel of selectors after his playing career.

Sussex put out the following statement on their website: “Sussex Cricket is deeply saddened to learn of the death of former player, captain and club president, Ted Dexter CBE.

"Ted was surrounded by his family when he died on Wednesday after a recent illness,” Dexter’s former county said in tribute."

Current and former Sussex players have tweeted about Dexter's passing.

T20 captain Luke Wright tweeted: "So sad to lose a England and

@SussexCCC legend. Thoughts with the family. #RIPTed"

Former Sussex skipper Chris Adams tweeted: "RIP to a legend of@SussexCCC @ECB_cricket fellow captain Lord Ted Dexter ….. a life properly lived , we will miss you LT and thank you for your periodic words of wisdom and support in my time in the game #gosbts"