Today, we come to the third part of our series on the history of cricket in South Africa. We began talking about South African cricket until 1900, and the previous post was on The History of Cricket in South Africa between 1900 and 1950.
Now, we look at the second half of the 20th century, a time of heartache, controversy and readmittance for South African cricket.
We hope you enjoy this post.
History of Cricket in South Africa – 1950s
The 1950s were a decade of consolidation and growth for South African cricket. Building on the foundations laid in the immediate post-war years, South Africa worked to strengthen its domestic cricket structure and increase its competitiveness on the international stage. In 35 tests, the most for any decade so far, South Africa won 12, lost 15 and drew 8 – one of their better performing decades so far.
On the international front, South Africa sought to increase its exposure and competitiveness. Tours to and from cricketing nations such as England, Australia, and New Zealand were organized more frequently, providing South African players with valuable experience against top-tier opposition. These tours were essential for testing and honing the skills of South African cricketers in diverse conditions.
South Africa toured Australia in 1952/1953 and in a 5 test series, did their country proud by drawing 2-all. South Africa took their form to New Zealand next, winning a two test series 1-0 and winning a 5 test series at home against the same opponents 4-0.
In England in 1955, they came back from 2-nil down to even the series 2-all before losing the fifth test, and did something similar in the return series in South Africa, coming back from 2-nil after 3 tests to eventually equal the series 2-all.
Great Players of the 1950s
Jackie McGlew
Jackie McGlew The Star (South African newspaper), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Jackie McGlew was one of the most distinguished batsmen in South African cricket during the 1950s. Renowned for his defensive technique and ability to play long innings, McGlew was a master at anchoring the innings. His patience and resilience at the crease made him a difficult batsman to dismiss, often frustrating bowlers with his solid defense.
McGlew’s contributions were not limited to his batting; he also took on the role of captain, leading the South African team with strategic acumen and calm leadership. His captaincy was instrumental in navigating the team through some of its most challenging and competitive series.
He played 34 tests, scored 2,440 runs at 42.06 with 7 centuries and a top score of 255 not out.
Hugh Tayfield
Hugh Tayfield, often considered one of the greatest spin bowlers South Africa has produced, was a dominant force in the 1950s. His nickname was “Toey”, because he would stub his toes into the ground before every ball he bowled, and he had a reputation as a formidable opponent for batsmen around the world.
Tayfield’s precision and ability to extract turn and bounce from the pitch made him a match-winner on many occasions. He was also a record-holder, notably becoming the fastest South African to reach 100 Test wickets at the time.
He played 37 tests and took 170 wickets at an average of 25.91, 5 wickets in an innings 14 times, and 10 wickets in a match twice. His best figures was 9/113.
Notable Test Matches of the 1950s
South Africa vs. Australia, 1952-53
Before this tour no one expected South Africa to have a chance, and in fact, many called for the tour to be called off, considering how unequal the two teams were.
But South Africa were to surprise many people.
Despite a monster series by Australian batsmen Neil Harvey, who scored 834 in 9 innings, South Africa kept fighting back, with Hugh Tayfield being a heavy contributor with 30 wickets, including 13 in the second test at the MCG, In the end, the series was locked at 2 a piece.
The first test in Brisbane saw Australia bat first and thanks to Neil Harvey (109) score 280. South Africa replied with 221, with no batter reaching 40. In the third innings, Arthur Morris and Neil Harvey scored fifties in a total of 277. Michael Melle added 3/95 to his first innings figures of 6/71. Chasing a tough 337 runs, South Africa batted for over 100 overs to score 240 and fall 97 short.
The second test, in Melbourne, saw South Africa bat first and put on 227, thanks to some late order batting from Anton Murray, at 9, who top-scored with 51. Australia seemed to have the game in control at 4/188, but their batting fell away, finishing on 243 for a lead of only 16.
South African number 3, Russell Endean, scored 162 not out, which would be his highest test score, to help South Africa to a score of 388. Chasing 373, Hugh Tayfield would become Australia’s nemesis, taking 7/81 to restrict Australia to 290. The 83 run victory levelled the series, 1-all.
The third test, in Sydney was all Australia. South Africa’s score of 173 was beaten by Neil Harvey’s individual score of 190 in a team total of 443. South Africa improved slightly in the second innings, but not enough to force Australia to bat again, scoring 232 and losing by an innings and 38 runs.
The fourth test in Adelaide was a high scoring match. Australia, batting first, put on 530, thanks mainly to Colin McDonald (154) and captain Lindsay Hassett (163), although Neil Harvey’s 84 also contributed. Three South African’s scored fifties in reply, and South Africa’s 387 took 141 overs to complete, leaving the game heading towards a draw, unless Australia could engineer a result.
An enterprising 116 by Neil Harvey saw Australia declare at 3/233 from only 47 overs, leaving South Africa a chase of 377 for victory. They were never in the hunt for the victory score, and when the game was called for a draw, had lost 6 wickets for 177.
The final test, in Melbourne, was very similar to the Adelaide test. Australia batted first and scored 520. Neil Harvey, having a great series (834 runs in 9 innings, at an average of 92.66, with 4 centuries and 3 fifties), scored 205. In reply, South Africa fought hard. While no batter reached 100, 5 passed 50, in a score of 435.
With a lead of 85, Australia needed to press their advantage. Instead, they only scored 209, leaving South Africa a gettable, although still very difficult, 295 runs. That they did it, losing only 4 wickets, showed the fighting spirit South Africa had on this tour. The end result was a tough, deserved 2-all draw.
History of Cricket in South Africa – 1960s
The 1960s were a pivotal decade for South African cricket, characterized by significant achievements and the beginning of challenges that would later lead to a long period of international isolation. This period saw South Africa emerge as a competitive force in international cricket, bolstered by the talents of key players and notable series victories.
However, it was also marked by increasing political tensions and the impact of apartheid, which would eventually isolate South African cricket from the international community.
During this decade, South Africa played 31 Test matches, winning 7, losing 8, and drawing 16.
While the 1960s had numerous successes on the field, the decade was also marred by the shadow of apartheid, the system of racial segregation enforced by the South African government.
The international community increasingly condemned apartheid, and sports became a significant arena for anti-apartheid activism.
The Basil D’Oliveira affair in 1968, where the South African government refused to allow the England team to tour with D’Oliveira, a South African-born player of mixed race, brought international attention to the issue. This incident led to the cancellation of the tour and heightened calls for South Africa’s isolation from international sport.
Despite the political turmoil, domestic cricket in South Africa continued to thrive during the 1960s. The Currie Cup, the premier domestic competition, saw intense competition and high standards of play. Teams like Transvaal, Western Province, and Natal dominated the scene, producing many players who would go on to represent the national team.
Great Players of the 1960s
Graeme Pollock
Graeme Pollock 2000 PaddyBriggs at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Had Graeme Pollock had a full test career, he might have been regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history. Unfortunately, South Africa’s isolation due to apartheid would curtail his career at 23 tests.
Pollock’s elegant stroke play, combined with his ability to score runs consistently against the best bowlers in the world, made him a standout player. He scored 2,256 runs at an impressive average of 60.97, one of the highest in cricket history. He scored 7 centuries, and his highest score of 274 against Australia in Durban in 1970 remains one of the most remarkable innings ever played, showcasing his skill and temperament.
His ability to dominate bowlers and play long innings under pressure was instrumental in many of South Africa’s victories during this era.
Peter Pollock
Like his younger brother Graeme, Peter’s career was curtailed by South Africa’s isolation from test cricket due to apartheid. Peter was the spearhead of South Africa’s bowling attack in the 1960s. Known for his pace and ability to extract bounce from any pitch, Peter Pollock was a constant threat to opposition batsmen. His partnership with fellow fast bowler Mike Procter formed the backbone of South Africa’s bowling during this period.
In his 28 tests, he took 116 wickets at an average of 24.18, and 9 times he took 5 wickets in an innings, with best figures of 6/38. His performances in the series against Australia in 1966-67 and 1969-70 were particularly noteworthy, where his incisive bowling played a crucial role in South Africa’s successes.
Notable Test Matches of the 1960s
The most memorable achievement of the decade came during the 1966-67 series against Australia. South Africa won the series 3-1, marking their first-ever series victory against Australia.
The series didn’t start well, with South Africa, in the first innings, quickly 5/41. They recovered, to a degree, to post 199, but when Australia replied with 325, South Africa were looking down the barrel of a loss. Wicket keeper, Denis Lindsay would have something to say about that. His 182, along with 5 other batters passing 50, ensured that South Africa scored 620, leaving Australia a target of 495 … a figure they would come 234 runs short of.
Australia won the second test on the back of Bob Simpson (153) and Keith Stackpole (134) centuries in the first innings of 542. Despite 209 from Graeme Pollock, South Africa scored 353 (off 127 overs) and couldn’t avoid the follow on (The follow on was only 150 runs in the 1960s). Put back in to bat, they scored 367 over 166 overs. By this time, the Australian bowlers would have been exhausted, having bowled 293 overs on the trot. Fortunately, they weren’t required to bat as Australia knocked off the chase of 179 losing only 4 wickets.
In the third test, it was South Africa’s turn to enforce the follow on. South Africa scored 300 (wicket keeper Denis Lindsay scored 137), and Australia replied with only 147. Batting again, Australia did better, scoring 334, but it left South Africa only 182 runs to get. They achieved this losing only 2 wickets, thanks to a couple of scores in the 60’s, by Ali Bacher and Graeme Pollock.
Rain affected the fourth test, and just as well for Australia, as they came within two wickets of losing by an innings. Batting first, Australia were skittled for only 143. In reply, wicket keeper Denis Lindsay continued his great form, scoring 131 out of a score of 9 declared for 332. With two days remaining, Australia began their innings, ending day 3 at 1/13. Day 4 was a wash out, and at the end of a shortened day 5, Australia were 8/148 when rain saved Australia.
The final test began similarly to how the fourth one began. With Australia scoring lightly (173) and South Africa taking the lead (276, with Graeme Proctor 105, and Denis Lindsay only scoring 1 this time). Australia scored 278, with 7 batters passing 20, but only one hitting a fifty. South Africa knocked off the chase of 176 fairly easily, only losing 3 wickets in the process.
History of Cricket in South Africa – 1970s and 1980s
The 1970s were a tumultuous decade for South African cricket, marked by the country’s isolation from international cricket due to its apartheid policies. In this decade, South Africa played only the one test series, a 4-nil defeat of Australia in South Africa.
Apartheid, the institutionalized system of racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa, had far-reaching consequences for all aspects of life, including sports. The international community increasingly condemned apartheid, and sport became a significant battleground for anti-apartheid activism.
The cricketing world was no exception. In 1970, the International Cricket Council (ICC) decided to suspend South Africa from international cricket indefinitely. This decision was in response to growing pressure from member countries and the global community to isolate South Africa until it dismantled its apartheid system.
The suspension meant that South Africa could no longer compete in Test matches or participate in international tours. This isolation was a severe blow to South African cricket, cutting the national team off from the global stage and depriving players of the opportunity to compete against the world’s best.
The ICC’s suspension led to a period of isolation that lasted until the early 1990s. This isolation had several consequences for South African cricket. Firstly, it limited the exposure of South African players to international competition, which could have impeded their development and growth. Secondly, it affected the morale and motivation of players who aspired to compete at the highest level. Lastly, it deprived South African cricket fans of the excitement and prestige associated with international matches.
Emergence of Rebel Tours and Their Impact
In response to the isolation, South Africa saw the emergence of “rebel tours” during the late 1970s and early 1980s. These tours were organized by individual players and teams from other countries who defied international bans to play in South Africa. While these tours provided some international competition for South African players, they were highly controversial and condemned by the global cricketing community.
The rebel tours had a mixed impact. On the one hand, they allowed South African players to test their skills against international opponents and provided cricket fans with high-quality matches. On the other hand, these tours reinforced South Africa’s pariah status in world cricket and drew further criticism and sanctions from the international community.
History of Cricket in South Africa – 1990s
The 1990s marked a transformative period for South African cricket as the nation rejoined the international cricketing community following the end of apartheid. This decade was characterized by South Africa’s successful reintegration into global cricket, with significant achievements and milestones that underscored the team’s competitive prowess.
Throughout the decade, South Africa became known as being touch competitors. Throughout the decade, they won 29 tests, lost 13 and drew 24. This was, by a wide margin, the most successful decade for South Africa cricket.
Also, South Africa played 177 One Day Matches during the decade, winning 110 and losing 61, with 1 tied and 5 no-results.
The dismantling of apartheid in the early 1990s was a watershed moment in South Africa’s history, paving the way for the country’s return to international sports.
In 1991, the International Cricket Council (ICC) lifted its ban on South Africa, allowing the national team to compete in international cricket after an isolation period of over two decades. This readmission was a significant milestone, symbolizing both a new era for South African society and a fresh chapter for its cricketing ambitions.
Milestones in South Africa’s Return to the Global Stage
First ODI Series Win in India (1991) – South Africa’s first official international match after readmission was an ODI against India in November 1991. Despite losing the series 2-1, the matches were competitive and showcased the team’s potential. Kepler Wessels, who had previously played for Australia, captained the side and was a key figure in the team’s early successes.
First Test Post-Readmission (1992) – South Africa’s first Test after readmission was against the West Indies in 1992. Although they lost the test, the experience was invaluable in exposing the team to high-level competition.
Introduction and Rise of One Day Cricket
Following the end of apartheid and South Africa’s readmission to international cricket in 1991, the national team made its debut in One Day Internationals (ODIs). South Africa played its first ODI match against India in November 1991.
This match marked the beginning of a new era for South African cricket, introducing the team to the fast-paced and competitive nature of ODIs. The inclusion of experienced players like Kepler Wessels, who captained the side, provided stability and guidance to the team during this transition period.
South Africa quickly adapted to the ODI format, achieving notable early successes and gaining valuable learning experiences. The team’s participation in the 1992 Cricket World Cup was a significant milestone. Despite their long absence from international cricket, South Africa advanced to the semi-finals, showcasing their potential on the world stage. Key performances from players like Jonty Rhodes, whose fielding brilliance became legendary, and Allan Donald, with his incisive fast bowling, were instrumental in their success.
Great Players of the 1990s
Hansie Cronje
Hansie Cronje was a pivotal figure in South African cricket during the 1990s, known for his strong leadership and tactical acumen. Appointed as captain in 1994, Cronje led South Africa to numerous victories, earning respect for his ability to inspire and manage his team effectively. Under his captaincy, South Africa became one of the top teams in the world, known for their competitive spirit and strategic gameplay.
However, Cronje’s legacy is marred by his involvement in a match-fixing scandal that came to light in 2000. The scandal shocked the cricketing world and led to his life ban from the sport. Despite his achievements, this controversy has cast a long shadow over his career, affecting his standing in cricket history.
In 68 tests, he scored 3,714 runs at an average of 36.41, scoring 6 centuries with a top score of 135. He also played 188 ODI’s, scoring 5,565 runs at an average of 38.64, with 2 centuries and a top score of 112.
Allan Donald
Allan Donald, 2012 Robwildlife2, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Allan Donald, known as “White Lightning,” was one of the most feared fast bowlers of his era. His pace, accuracy, and ability to generate swing made him a potent weapon in South Africa’s bowling attack. Donald’s rivalry with top batsmen, especially in the series against Australia and England, produced some of the most thrilling moments in cricket.
Donald was instrumental in South Africa’s Test and ODI successes throughout the 1990s. His memorable spells, including the match-winning performance against India in 1992 and his heroics in the 1999 World Cup, cemented his place as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history.
He played 72 tests and took 330 wickets at an average of 22.25, taking 5 wickets an innings 20 times, with a best bowling effort of 8/71. He also played 164 ODIs, taking 272 wickets at an average of 21.78.
Gary Kirsten
Gary Kirsten was a reliable and consistent opening batsman for South Africa throughout the 1990s. Known for his solid technique and ability to build long innings, Kirsten was often the backbone of the South African batting lineup.
He became the first South African to play 100 tests, playing a total of 101 tests. He scored 7,289 runs at an average of 45.27, hitting 21 centuries with a highest score of 275. This score, against England, took 14 and a half hours, and is still the second longest innings in terms of duration in test cricket.
He also played 185 ODIs, scoring 6,798 at an average of 40.95, with 13 centuries and a top score of 188. This is still the highest ODI score by a South African.
Notable Test Matches of the 1990s
The 1994 series against Australia was one of the most competitive and memorable series of the decade. The series was drawn 1-1, but it is most memorable for the second test in Sydney.
Sent in to bat, South Africa only scored 169, with Shane Warne skittling the visitors with figures of 7/56. Australia replied with 292, thanks to a score of 92 by Michael Slater, but it took 141 overs of painstaking batting to get there, with Allan Donald and Fanie de Villiers both taking 4 wickets.
Behind by 123 runs, South Africa needed a big innings to gain back the ascendency. Despite Jonty Rhodes 76, they only scored 239, with Shane Warnes 5/72 giving him 12 for the match. The lead of 116 runs didn’t seem enough to win the match.
However, on the back of Fanie deVilliers and Allan Donald, Australia were quickly 8/75 when Craig McDermott came in to partner Damien Marty. McDermott did most of the scoring in the partnership, and took the score to 110 before Martyn was dismissed for a painstaking 6 off 59 balls. Glenn McGrath was last man out with the score on 111, still 5 runs short. Fanie de Villiers’ 6 wickets gave him 10 for the match.
Notable One Day Matches and World Cup Performances in the 1990s
No one who watched them, would ever forget South Africa’s semi-final games in the 1992 and 1999 World Cup semi finals, both heart-breaking results, although for different reasons.
In 1992, South Africa were new to the international One Day game, having only played three ODI’s in the lead up to the World Cup. But in the World Cup itself, South Africa surprised. They won their first match against Australia, and with other victories against West Indies, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and India, they found themselves in a semi-final against England.
England batted first and scored 6/252 off a rain-shortened 45 overs. Thanks to handy knocks by a number of batters, South Africa needed 22 off the last 13 balls, with 4 wickets remaining.
And then it rained.
And when South Africa returned to the field, the requirement had become 22 off 7 balls. Which then was adjusted to 22 off 1 ball. Game over.
In 1999, South Africa were one of the favourites for the tournament. In the semi final, they came up against Australia. Australia batted first and scored 213; not a big total, but it at least gave the bowlers something to bowl at.
In particular, it gave Shane Warne something to bowl at. He bowled 4 maidens as well as taking 4 wickets.
South Africa lost their 9th wicket, with the score at 198. They needed 16 off the last 8 balls. Lance Kluesner hit the next ball, a full toss, to long-on. It was dropped and went for six. A single off the last ball of the over, put Kluesner on strike, with 9 runs to win off the last over.
Kluesner then smashed the first two balls of the last over, bowled by Damien Fleming, for four. The scores were now tied with 4 balls to go.
Fleming, having bowled two near-yorkers that were smashed for four, accidentally bowled a half-tracker. But Kluesner wasn’t expecting it, hitting it straight to mid-on. Allan Donald backed up too far, and the attempted run out throw just missed the stumps.
The next ball was a perfect yorker. Kluesener hit it and ran, Donald aware that he was almost run out the ball before, hesitated, and then finally ran, dropping his bat. The ball came in from the fielder, missing the bowler’s stumps, but went straight to Fleming, who underarmed the ball to Gilchrist to run Donald out.
It was a tie, and because Australia had finished the round-robin tournament higher up than South Africa, they were through to the final, and South Africa were to rue two close calls in World Cup Semi Finals.
Conclusion
The second half of the 20th century was a topsy-turvy time for South African cricket, but at the end of the century, their cricket was in fine shape. In a short while, they had become a powerhouse in both test and one day cricket.
In the next post, we’ll look at the History of Cricket in South Africa from 2000 to now. If you have any interesting stories related to South African cricket during the second half of the 20th century, please leave your comments below.