Tribute paid to D’Oliveira

Undated Basil D’Oliveira cricketer

Undated Basil D’Oliveira cricketer

Published Nov 30, 2015

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From humble beginnings on the slopes of Signal Hill, to international cricket stardom, Basil D’Oliveira is perhaps remembered more for the ripple effect his inclusion in England’s 1968 touring party had in political circles than for his cricketing prowess.

Affectionately known as “Dolly”, D’Oliveira captained South Africa’s non-white national cricket team before he and his family emigrated to England to further his cricket career.

Of mixed Portuguese and Indian descent, Dolly was classified as coloured under apartheid and thus could not represent South Africa’s national team.

In 1964, D’Oliveira qualified to play for Worcester through residency and two years later was selected in England’s team to face the West Indies.

He debuted in the 1966 Test at Lord’s, taking 1/24 at a rate of just 1.7 runs per over in the first innings, scoring 27 as a middle order batsman before he was run out. He neither batted nor bowled in the second innings.

Dolly was among illustrious company, playing alongside England batting great, Geoffrey Boycott and facing balls from West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers.

However, it would be the events of 1968 that would spark the eventual isolation of South African cricket in what has become known as the “Basil D’Oliveira Affair”.

Leading up to England’s tour to South Africa, there was a political to and fro, with Dolly’s inclusion in the England squad a hot topic of discussion between England’s board of control and the South African government. The discussions around his inclusion had begun as early as 1966, when he made his first appearance.

When Dolly was dropped from the England squad after a slump in form, it appeared as though the 1968/69 tour would take place without incident.

D’Oliveira announced his return to form later in 1968, scoring 158 against Australia – his highest score in Tests. He was still omitted from the tour to South Africa amid massive public outcry.

When England found themselves one player short due to injury, Dolly was chosen as a replacement.

Then South African prime minister BJ Vorster claimed his inclusion was politically motivated.

In September 1968, England cancelled its tour of South Africa in a move that would pave the way for similar boycotts.

South Africa’s isolation from the rest of the world had already begun across a number of sporting codes – South Africa was suspended by Fifa in 1961 and later banned in 1964, preventing the country from participating in the 1966 World Cup, and the country had already been banned from competing in the 1964 Olympic Games – but the Basil D’Oliveira Affair was the catalyst for their isolation from international cricket.

South Africa would not return to international cricket until 1991.

D’Oliveira’s legacy is being preserved by his first cricket club, St Augustine. Founded in 1899, it is one of the oldest clubs in the country.

In conjunction with Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA), St Augustine has launched the Basil D’Oliveira Legacy Project, with the aim of making Dolly’s name synonymous with “excellence on the cricket field, as well as the highest levels of sportsmanship”, said club chairman Robin Poggenpoel. “The world at large acknowledges that he was the irreversible catalyst for change in South African sport and cricket in particular.”

When England play the Proteas from December 26 in Durban, they will contest the Basil D’Oliveira trophy, indicative of the impact Dolly had on relations between two of the world’s top cricket nations.

D’Oliveira’s roots were acknowledged when he walked to the middle of Newlands for the first time on January 2, 2000 as one of the 10 nominees for South Africa’s cricketer of the century award.

“Longevity, defiance, stylish craftsmanship, the ability to beat the odds that were stacked against him as high as Table Mountain to become one of the most widely acclaimed cricketers in the world, are all characteristics that contributed to the legacy of Dolly,” said Nabeal Dien, WPCA’s chief executive.

In his honour, a gala dinner will be held to raise funds for the legacy project.

“We believe the gala dinner and cricket experience day would honour Basil, and that they will be inspired by his dogged determination to follow his dreams and leave a remarkable legacy,” said Angelo Carolissen, chairman of Western Cape Cricket. “He still played first-class cricket at the age of 49.

“When he was selected to replace Tom Cartwright in the England team and was denied inclusion, which resulted in the cancellation of the tour, it culminated in South Africa eventually being driven out of international cricket along with other sports.

“But D’Oliveira’s name will forever live on beyond the so-called D’Oliveira Affair, as his was a life of unwavering dignity.

“He might have represented South Africa from the 1950s to the 1970s if politics was not the shameful intruder, yet D’Oliveira persevered, scoring 18 919 first-class runs and 2 484 Test runs, while claiming 548 first-class scalps.”

The dinner will be held at GrandWest’s Grand Arena on January 7, with a cricket experience a day later.

Guests will be treated to an evening of fabulous food, entertainment, an auction, and will have ample opportunity to mingle with some of cricket’s greatest ambassadors, former international players and celebrities, while celebrating Dolly’s legacy.

Tickets can be booked at R500 a person, and tables range from R5 000 to R20 000.

Banking Details:

Company: Western Province Cricket Association

Bank: Absa Bank

Account Number: 404 9531 600

Branch: Claremont

Universal Code: 632005

Use the either GALA DINNER or YCED as your reference on the payment. E-mail proof of payment to [email protected] or [email protected] - Cape Argus

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