Mumbai: Former cricket captain Ajit Wadekar, who led India to their first Test series wins in the West Indies and England in 1971, died on Wednesday after prolonged illness. He was 77.

The left-handed batsman from Mumbai won his first three Test series as captain, including a 2-1 victory over England at home in 1972-73. But he retired after the disastrous 1974 tour of England that India lost 0-3, while being bowled out for 42 at Lord's.

He later served successfully as Indian team manager in the 1990s and won the BCCI's C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. He played 37 Tests overall, ending with a single century and an average just over 31.