Basil D'Oliviera Passes Away Aged 80

Basil D'Oliviera Passes Away Aged 80

Basil D'Oliveira has passed away aged 80. This image shows him in action during the 1972 Ashes series.

©Action Images / Sporting Pictures

Former England and Worcestershire all-rounder Basil D'Oliveira has died aged 80, Cricket South Africa (CSA) have confirmed.

Born in South Africa in 1931, he first represented England in 1966 having emigrated in 1960, frustrated with the lack of opportunities for non-white players.

Having qualified as an English citizen, he was later picked for the 1968 tour of South Africa although this led to the tour being cancelled after the ruling National Party objected to his selection.

Following the controversy, no country toured South Africa in an official sporting capacity until the 1990s.

Leading the tributes following his death, CSA chief executive Gerald Majola said:

"'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.

"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."

He would go on to score 2,484 runs at an average of 40.06 in 44 Tests and in 367 first-class matches, he amassed 19,490 runs at 40.26 while taking 47 Test wickets and 551 first-class wickets.

He also played four One-Day Internationals and 187 one-day games.

Majola added: "The fact that he could have a Test career batting average of 40 in 44 Tests and an economy rate of less than two 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 worldwide 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."

He also played for Eastern Province and the MCC while England and South Africa compete for a trophy named in his honour when the two sides play Tests.

A stand at Worcestershire's New Road ground is also named in his honour.

His son, Damian and brother Ivan also played county cricket for Worcestershire and Leicestershire respectively and his grandson Brett made his one-day debut for Worcestershire in 2011.

© Cricket World 2011