Basil D'Oliveira is no more
Basil D'Oliveira, the South African born English all-rounder has passed away after a prolonged illness at the age of 80.
Basil D'Oliveira was at the centre of a controversy when the South African government refused permission for the visiting England team in 1968 on the grounds that Basil D'Oliveira, a former South African and a non-white player had been included in the English squad. This event was one of the major factors that led to the isolation of South Africa from the cricketing world on the grounds of Apartheid in 1969.
Basil D'Oliveira represented England in 44 Test matches despite being a late bloomer.
" 'Dolly', as he was known around the world by an audience that went far beyond the game of cricket, was a true legend and a son of whom all South Africans can be extremely proud", commented CSA CEO Gerald Majola.
"He was a man of true dignity and a wonderful role model as somebody who overcame the most extreme prejudices and circumstances to take his rightful place on the world stage. "
"The fact that he could have a Test career batting average of 40 in 44 Tests and an economy rate of less than 2 with the ball on his way to 47 wickets was remarkable considering he was past his prime when he made his debut for England in his mid-30s."
"One can only imagine what he might have achieved had he made his debut as he should have done at the age of 20 on South Africa's tour of England in 1951."
"I would like to pay tribute also to all those people in England, notably John Arlott, one of the greatest cricket radio commentators of all time, for the roles they played in making it possible for Basil to achieve his dream of playing international cricket for his adopted country. "
"The circumstances surrounding his being prevented from touring the country of his birth with England in 1968 led directly to the intensification of opposition to apartheid around the world and contributed materially to the sports boycott that turned out to be an Achilles' Heel of the apartheid government. "
"Throughout this shameful period in South Africa's sporting history, Basil displayed a human dignity that earned him world-wide respect and admiration."
"His memory and inspiration will live on among all of us. On a personal note I would like to thank him for the contribution he made to my own career at the Coca-Cola coaching clinics.
"On behalf of the CSA family I would like to convey our sympathies to his family and salute them on a life well lived." - Gerald Majola noted.
The Test series between South Africa and England has been named after the great man as the Basil D'Oliveira trophy. South Africa are the current holders of that trophy.
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