When South Africa wanted to name their “Cricketer of the Century” at the end of 1999, they produced a 10 man short list. Only 3 of them were not white. 2 of the 3 (Basil D’Oliveira and Frank Roro) are already safely ensconced in my top order. I’m going to add the third,
ERIC PETERSEN, to my bowling attack because a quota is no cause for compromise and I want everyone unequivocally worth their place.
On the SACBOC Tour of Kenya in 1958/59 (Captained by D’Oliveira) in 3 “Tests” Petersen took 21 wickets at 8.33.
Also a good lower order batsman, Petersen would generally open as a genuine fast bowler, before dialing back to an accurate swinging medium fast and then a big-spinning medium pace off-break bowler. He was considered virtually “unplayable” on the matting wickets of the coloured leagues of the time.
- Barry Richards
- Jimmy Cook
- Frank Roro
- Basil D'oliveira
- -
- Lee Irvine (wk)
- -
- ERIC PETERSEN
- Garth Le Roux
- Krom Hendricks
- -
@Yash. is up next