Today is the second of our series on the History of Cricket in South Africa. We began previously discussing the early days of cricket in South Africa, and finished it at the dawn of the 20th century.
In this post, we’ll begin where we left off and discuss, decade by decade, the first half of the 20th century.
We hope you enjoy this post.
History of Cricket in South Africa – 1900s
The 1900s was a crucial decade for South African cricket, characterized by recovery from the disruptions of the Anglo-Boer War and significant organizational developments. In Test cricket, South Africa played 11 matches, winning 4, losing 4, and drawing 3. This period marked a foundational phase for the national team as they navigated the challenges of the early 20th century.
The Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902) had a profound impact on South African cricket. The war brought a complete halt to cricketing activities as players and resources were diverted to the war effort. Cricket grounds were often repurposed for military use, and many players enlisted to fight, leading to a suspension of domestic and international cricket matches.
Following the war, efforts to revive and reorganize cricket began in earnest. The primary focus was on re-establishing domestic competitions, which were essential for rebuilding the sport’s infrastructure.
Cricket clubs, which had been dormant or disrupted during the war, resumed their activities. These clubs played a pivotal role in bringing the community together and fostering a renewed interest in the sport.
Formation of the South African Cricket Board of Control (1906)
A landmark development in the 1900s was the formation of the South African Cricket Board of Control (SACBOC) in 1906. This was a crucial step towards the formalization and professionalization of cricket administration in South Africa. The SACBOC was established to oversee the management of cricket, ensuring that the sport was organized systematically and that standards were maintained.
The role of the SACBOC was multifaceted. It was responsible for organizing domestic competitions, managing international tours, and setting standards for coaching and player development. The board’s establishment brought a much-needed structure to South African cricket, which had previously been managed on an ad-hoc basis by various local clubs and associations.
The establishment of the SACBOC facilitated South Africa’s participation in international cricket. With a formal governing body in place, South Africa could more effectively negotiate and arrange tours with other cricketing nations.
Great Players of the 1900s
Aubrey Faulkner
Aubrey Faulkner is often regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history. He made his Test debut in 1906 and played a crucial role in establishing South Africa as a competitive Test team. Faulkner was known for his exceptional leg-spin bowling and solid batting. From 25 tests, he scored 1,754 runs, averaging 40.79 with the bat with a top score of 204, and 4 centuries, and with the ball he took 82 wickets, at an average of 26.58 with best bowling of 7/84.
Dave Nourse
Aubrey Faulkner – 1920 [1], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Dave Nourse was a reliable and consistent batsman who debuted in 1902 and became a mainstay in the South African batting lineup. He was known for his solid technique and ability to anchor the innings. In 45 test matches, Nourse scored 2,234 runs, averaging 29.78 with a single century score of 111. With the ball, he was also handy, taking 41 wickets at an average of 37.87.
Notable Test Matches of the 1900s
The 1905-06 series against England was a historic milestone for South African cricket, marking their first-ever Test series victory. South Africa emerged victorious in the series with a 4-1 win, securing triumphs in the first, second, third, and fifth Tests. This landmark achievement signalled South Africa’s growing strength and competitiveness on the international cricket stage.
History of Cricket in South Africa – 1910s
The 1910s was a challenging yet transformative decade for South African cricket. In Test cricket, South Africa played 21 matches, winning 4, losing 15, and drawing 2. These results reflect the mixed fortunes of the national team, as they faced strong competition from established cricketing nations while also dealing with the disruptions caused by World War I.
Pre-World War I Cricket Developments (1910-1914)
This period was characterized by the expansion of domestic cricket competitions and a notable increase in the popularity and participation of the sport across the country.
One of the key aspects of this expansion was the formalization and growth of the Currie Cup, South Africa’s premier domestic cricket competition. Established in 1889, the Currie Cup had become a cornerstone of South African cricket by the 1910s.
The competition saw increased participation from provincial teams, fostering a highly competitive environment that was essential for the development of local talent. The Currie Cup matches attracted large crowds, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for cricket among the South African public.
The period leading up to World War I was marked by a series of international tours that further boosted the profile of South African cricket. Although the national team faced stiff competition from England and Australia, these tours were invaluable in exposing South African players to high-quality cricket and helping them improve their skills.
Impact of World War I on South African Cricket (1914-1918)
The outbreak of World War I in 1914 brought a significant disruption to both domestic and international cricket in South Africa. As the war effort took precedence, cricket, like many other sports, experienced a complete halt. Domestic competitions were suspended, and international tours were cancelled, leading to a period of inactivity for the sport.
The contributions of cricketers to the war effort were notable. Many South African cricketers enlisted in the military, serving in various capacities during the conflict. Prominent players, including Test cricketers, joined the armed forces, demonstrating their commitment to the national cause.
Post-War Cricket Revival (1918-1919)
With the end of World War I in 1918, efforts to revive cricket began almost immediately. The post-war period was characterized by a strong desire to return to normalcy, and cricket was seen as an important part of this process.
However, reviving the sport presented numerous challenges, including the need to rebuild infrastructure and re-establish competitions that had been dormant for years.
The re-establishment of domestic competitions was a critical step in the post-war revival of cricket. The Currie Cup, South Africa’s premier domestic competition, resumed, providing a structured and competitive environment for players to regain their form and skills.
Local clubs and regional teams were reinvigorated, organizing matches and tournaments to restore the sport’s popularity and competitiveness.
One of the major successes of the post-war revival was the renewed enthusiasm for the sport among the public. Cricket matches once again drew large crowds, reflecting the deep-seated passion for the game in South Africa.
This renewed interest helped to foster a vibrant cricketing culture, setting the stage for the sport’s growth in the ensuing decades.
Great Players of the 1910s
Herbie Taylor
Herbie Taylor – 1924 [1], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Herbie Taylor emerged as one of South Africa’s finest batsmen during the 1910s. Known for his elegant stroke play and resilience, Taylor made significant contributions with the bat. He played crucial innings against England and Australia, and his ability to play long, patient innings was a hallmark of his career. Taylor’s leadership qualities also began to shine during this period, setting the stage for his future captaincy. In 42 tests, he scored 2,936 runs at an average of 40.77, scoring 7 centuries with a top score of 176.
Notable Test Matches of the 1910s
Following their success against England in South Africa, the next series in South Africa against England, followed a very similar script. South Africa won 3-2, winning the first (by 19 runs), second (by 95 runs) and fourth (by 4 wickets), while losing the third (by 3 wickets and fifth (by 9 wickets).
The first test is this series was a particularly good one for Aubrey Faulkner who scored 78 and 123 with the bat, and took figures of 5/120 and 3/40 with the ball.
History of Cricket in South Africa – 1920s
The 1920s were a transformative decade for South African cricket, marked by significant developments on and off the field. This period saw the establishment of cricket as a popular sport and the emergence of a structured domestic scene that laid a strong foundation for future successes.
South Africa won 3, lost 10 and drew 10 test matches, but despite these results, the decade was crucial in shaping the trajectory of South African cricket.
International Exposure and Tours
In the 1920s, South Africa’s international exposure was limited, with the only tours being to England in 1924 and 1929. These tours were significant as it marked South Africa’s attempt to re-establish itself on the international cricket stage after a relatively quiet period.
Although South Africa struggled against the experienced English side, they lost the 5 test tour of 1924 3-0 and the 5 test tour of 1929 2-0, the tours were essential for providing the South African players with exposure to foreign playing conditions and styles. It also helped to foster a greater appreciation for the sport among the South African public.
At home, South Africa were more competitive, losing a 3 match series against Australia 1-0 in 1921, a 5 match series against England 2-1 in 1922/23, and drawing a 5 matches series against England 2-2 in 1927/28.
The performances of players like Herbie Taylor and Bob Catterall were instrumental in this success. Taylor, in particular, emerged as one of the standout batsmen of the decade, known for his elegant stroke play and resilience.
Development and Popularity of Cricket
The 1920s saw cricket’s popularity soar, with increasing participation and support from the public. Matches attracted large crowds, and cricket became a significant part of South African culture. The sport’s rise in popularity was aided by the performance of key players and the competitive nature of international matches.
Youth development programs and coaching clinics began to take shape during this period, helping to nurture young talent and ensure a steady supply of skilled players for the national team. These initiatives were crucial in laying the groundwork for future successes and ensuring that South African cricket continued to grow and evolve.
Great Players of the 1920s
Bob Caterall
Bob Catterall was another prominent figure in South African cricket during the 1920s, known for his batting brilliance. Catterall’s ability to play long, patient innings and his knack for scoring runs in crucial situations made him a key player for the national team. He played 24 tests and scored 1,555 runs at an average of 37.92 between his debut in 1922 and last test in 1931. He scored 3 centuries with a highest score of 120.
History of Cricket in South Africa – 1930s
The 1930s were a transformative yet challenging decade for South African cricket. The national team played 27 Test matches, winning 4, losing 10, and drawing 13. This period was marked by the economic difficulties of the Great Depression, which significantly impacted the sport, and a subsequent resurgence that saw South Africa establish itself as a more competitive force in international cricket.
The Great Depression, which began in 1929, had a profound economic impact globally, and South African cricket was no exception. Funding for cricket administration and activities was severely constrained as economic hardship gripped the nation.
Sponsorships dried up, and the financial difficulties faced by cricket clubs led to a reduction in the number of matches and tours that could be organized. The economic strain also meant that maintaining and developing cricket facilities became a challenge.
Player participation and spectatorship were notably affected during this period. Many players, who were not professional cricketers and relied on other forms of employment, found it difficult to balance work and cricket due to the economic pressures.
This led to a decline in the availability of top players for matches. Additionally, the financial hardship experienced by the general public meant that fewer people could afford to attend cricket matches, leading to a significant drop in spectatorship.
The overall atmosphere around cricket was subdued as the country grappled with these economic difficulties.
Tours of the 1930s
South Africa began the 1930s with a tough 5 test tour at home against England, won 1-0 thanks to a tight 28 run win in the first test.
Against Australia in Australia, though, the tests were anything but tight. The 5 match series was won 5-0 by Australia, with 3 of the tests won by an innings and the other two by 169 runs and 10 wickets. It had been 20 years since South Africa last toured Australia, and it would be 20 years before they toured Australia again.
There was some success in 1932, with South Africa’s first test against New Zealand. This two test series was played in New Zealand and won 2-0 by South Africa.
South Africa would only win 1 more test for the decade, as part of another 1-0 defeat of England in 5 tests, this time in England.
They would then host Australia in 1935/36, and while a 4-0 loss is an improvement when compared to their previous 5-0 series loss, the size of the defeats was still very similar. 3 of Australia’s 4 test wins were by an innings, and the remained was by 9 wickets.
To finish off the decade, South Africa lost 1-0 in a 5 match series against England in South Africa, meaning the two teams had played 15 test matches for only 3 test results.
Great Players of the 1930s
Bruce Mitchell
Bruce Mitchell, 1935 [1], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Bruce Mitchell was one of South Africa’s most reliable and consistent batsmen during the 1930s. Known for his solid technique and resilience, Mitchell was a key figure in the national team. He accumulated over 3,471 runs in his 42 Test career with an impressive average of 48.88, underscoring his ability to perform under pressure. He hit 8 centuries with a highest score of 189 not out.
Eric Rowan
Eric Rowan was another standout player in the 1930s, renowned for his aggressive batting style and leadership qualities. Rowan’s approach to batting was fearless and dynamic, often taking the attack to the opposition. Debuting in 1935, he played 26 tests, scoring 1,965 runs at an average of 43.66, with 3 centuries and a top score of 236.
Notable Test Matches of the 1930s
South Africa vs. England, 1938-39: The Timeless Test at Durban
The 1938-39 series against England is best remembered for the “Timeless Test” held in Durban. This extraordinary match, designed to be played until a decisive result was reached, ultimately ended in a draw after 10 days of play due to England’s need to catch their ship back home.
Batting first South Africa scored 530 with Pieter van der Bijl scoring 125 and Dudley Nourse scoring 103. In reply, England scored 316.
South Africa in their second innings scored 481, with captain Alan Melville top-scoring with 103.
Chasing a huge 696 runs to win, England had scored 654 of them, with 5 wickets still to be taken, when they had to leave for home. This was thanks to a double century to Bill Edrich, 219 and centuries to Paul Gibb, 120 and Wally Hammond 140.
Had the game managed to go even one more session longer, England would likely have won, and their winning score of 696 runs would have been the highest 4th innings score to win a test match.
And it would have been a record that would still be in place even now, as no other team has scored more than 418 to win a test match.
History of Cricket in South Africa – 1940s
The 1940s were a tumultuous decade for South African cricket, heavily influenced by the global events of World War II. In Test cricket, South Africa played 12 matches, winning none, losing 7, and drawing 5.
The outbreak of World War II in 1939 had a profound impact on cricket worldwide, and South Africa was no exception. The war led to the suspension of both domestic and international cricket activities. Many cricket grounds were repurposed for military use, and the focus shifted entirely to the war effort. Players enlisted in the armed forces, and cricket, along with other sports, took a backseat to the urgent needs of the nation.
Post-War Cricket Revival (1945-1949)
The re-establishment of domestic competitions, such as the Currie Cup, played a significant role in the revival of cricket after the WWII. These competitions provided a structured and competitive environment for players to regain their form and for new talent to emerge. The Currie Cup matches, in particular, attracted large crowds, reflecting the renewed enthusiasm for cricket in the post-war era.
Despite these efforts, the post-war revival was not without its challenges. Many players returned from the war with injuries or trauma that affected their performance. Additionally, the years of inactivity meant that rebuilding team cohesion and skill levels took time. Internationally, arranging tours and matches was complicated by the logistical and financial difficulties of the post-war period.
Nonetheless, there were successes. South Africa managed to arrange a series against England in 1947, marking their return to international cricket. Although the results were mixed, with South Africa drawing two matches and losing three, the series was a significant step in re-establishing South Africa’s presence in the cricketing world.
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed this post about the History of South African cricket during the first half of the century. The next post will talk about the History of Cricket in South Africa from 1950 to 2000, a tumultuous, and controversial time for South African cricket. We hope to meet you there.