Basil D'Oliveira has died

[wpdavid]

New just breaking. Possibly the most significant cricketer post-WW2.

RIP.

 

[smash84]

how was he the most significant post ww2 cricketer?

rip

 

[Dissector]

Surely one of the most remarkable careers ever. It's quite staggering that he made his first-class debut in his early 30's and his test debut when he was almost 35. If he had a normal career, he might have well been one of the greatest all-rounders of all-time. It's a pity that there don't seem to be any videos of him on Youtube.

 

[_Ed_]

Sad news. Wonderful cricketer.

 

[fredfertang]

how was he the most significant post ww2 cricketer?

rip

Hastening South Africa's exit from International sport at the end of the 60s

A fine batsman and possibly the most innocuous looking bowler Test cricket has seen - surprised plenty with the way he made the ball swing and seam about though

Delighted he got the recognition he deserved and wasn't forgotten

RIP Dolly

 

[chalky]

how was he the most significant post ww2 cricketer?

rip

His original non selection and then subsequent selection for the 1968 tour caused South Africa to cancel the tour and his thought of as a major causes of South Africa's sporting isolation which many people belived contributed to the end of Aparthid.

Below is link to the background on brilliant documentary by the BBC on the issue. Remember watching it when it first aired a few years ago but haven't been able to find it anywhere since.

BBC - BBC Four Documentaries - Not Cricket

 

[Cevno]

Sad News. R.I.P.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

RIP Dolly

 

[BoyBrumby]

Sad news indeed. I believe he hadn't been in good health for a few years now.

Thoroughly decent man and a great cricketer who had a remarkable life and a lasting impact on the sport. Peter Oboorne's biography Basil D'Oliveira is one of the very best cricket biographies & if anyone hasn't had the pleasure is recommended reading.

 

[Zinzan]

One of the great names in cricket - Literally

RIP

 

[Uppercut]

The most inspirational cricketer of all time.

 

[morgieb]

RIP

Agreed with Dav's sentiments about him being one of the most significant post-WWII cricketers.

 

[Flem274*]

Rest in peace.

 

[The Sean]

RIP Dolly.

 

[PhoenixFire]

Very sad say, RIP. By all accounts a really great bloke and did some really, really important things.

 

[Outswinger@Pace]

Quite sad news but eighty is a fair enough age to die. Not an innings cruelly cut short like Graham Dilley's for instance.

The man, from what I gather through learned pundits, was capable of a lot more in international cricket. A fanatastic strokeplaying allrounder whose true worth was probably never realised. Was never given enough due for his cricketing merit, but was made an accidental hero for a political cause - I hope people judge him appropriately after his death.

R.I.P Dolly!

 

[four_or_six]

From everything I've heard and read he seemed like such a quietly courageous man.

RIP

 

[Himannv]

Ah, terrible news. Great man in the cricket world.

RIP

 

[Pothas]

Sad news indeed. I believe he hadn't been in good health for a few years now.

Thoroughly decent man and a great cricketer who had a remarkable life and a lasting impact on the sport. Peter Oboorne's biography Basil D'Oliveira is one of the very best cricket biographies & if anyone hasn't had the pleasure is recommended reading.

Yes is a wonderfull book, not only for the more famous parts of his story but also his extraordianry performances whilst playing in South Africa.

RIP Dolly

 

[silentstriker]

http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/current/story/356092.html
'I never thought they`d do that to you, Bas' | Cricket News | Global | ESPN Cricinfo

lolmcc - fair cricket huh? Sad that only one guy stood up for him at the selection meeting and not guys like bedser.

I can unequivocally say that I would not be able to handle the situation with half as much dignity and class if I were in his position.

RIP.