England cricket legend Basil D'Oliveira dies

Monday 21 Nov 2011
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Former England all-rounder Basil D’Oliveira has died at the age of 83.

Born in South Africa, he moved to England in 1960 because of the lack of opportunities for non-white players.

In 1968 he was named in England’s squad to tour South Africa which was then cancelled as the ruling National Party refused to accept his presence.

D’Oliveira played county cricket for Worcestershire between 1964-80 and represented England in 44 Tests, scoring 2,484 runs at an average of 40.

The headlines made by D’Oliveira in 1968 marked the start of South Africa’s sporting isolation.

After being added to the England squad as a replacement for the injured Tom Cartwright the South African government made it clear a ‘Cape coloured’ would not be welcome.

Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola paid tribute to the man fondly called ‘Dolly’, whose health had been deteriorating for some time leading up to his death in England as he battled Parkinson’s disease.

“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,” said Majola.

From BBC Sport

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