Basil D’ Oliveira passes away – A brief look into the history of a legend
The former South Africa-born English all-rounder, Basil D’ Oliveira, breathed his last today in London at the age of 80. Both English and African cricket fraternities have paid tribute to the legend.
Dolly was born on 4 October, 1931 at Cape Town, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757. After struggling for an opportunity in his home team for some years, he decided to move to England where he could have some glaring chances to form a promising career.
Bas’ selection in the English team was severely censured by the African bosses who termed him to be a traitor and a fugitive. However, he kept his stance intact and the Poms too provided him enough space to demonstrate his inherent cricketing talent.
Basil played his first International game on 16 June, 1966 at Lord’s, against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760. He impressed all by grabbing 2 wickets and scoring 27 runs in the drawn match.
The all-rounder’s stint with England ignited a controversy when South Africa called off a home bilateral series against the Mother of Cricket as a mark of protest against Basil’s selection in the visitors’ playing XI. After that, the Proteas had to endure
isolation from International cricket for some years.
On 5 January, 1971, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Basil-Lewis-DOliveira-c47475 staged his ODI debut against England’s traditional rival, Australia, at Melbourne. He scored 17 runs and grabbed 1 wicket.
From 1966 to 1972, the star cricketer played 44 Tests and 4 ODI matches. His Test batting average had been above 40. The deceased played his last ODI and Test matches against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Worcestershire-c866 in England's County Cricket.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mongezi-Gerald-Majola-c77649, has paid homage to Basil by saying, “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."
Majola further told, “I would like to pay tribute also to all those people in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Leslie-Thomas-John-Arlott-c72768, 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.”
Following Basil’s legacy, at least four South African cricketers are currently playing for Team England with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AJ-Strauss-c964 at the top.
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