Fairfax Media chief executive Greg Hywood today issued this statement on the death of journalist Peter Roebuck:

“It is with great shock that we have learnt today that Peter Roebuck has died in Newlands, South Africa.

“Peter was not only an extremely gifted cricket writer for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, he was also one of Australia's most popular cricket commentators for the ABC. In his youth he played for the English county Somerset, then made his home in Australia. In recent years he built a reputation as one of the best columnists on the sport.

“We extend our commiserations to his family and all who will mourn his passing.”

Publisher and editor-in-chief of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Sun-Herald, Peter Fray, said: “We are saddened and shocked at this news. Peter was one of the finest cricket writers of his generation. His reporting and commentary were always fair, balanced, and insightful.

“He will be missed by his colleagues at Fairfax and by his many fans in Australia and around the world.”

No further comment will be made at this stage.