Cricketers of South Africa

Mark Boucher

As a record-maker Mark Boucher is one of the best wicket keepers, if not the best, World cricket has ever seen. If his career of 15 years was not halted prematurely in 2012, the record he might have achieved might never have been bettered. In the 147 tests he participated in, he completed 555 dismissals, the only cricketer to surpass 500 wickets. He was also a fair right-handed batsman with an average of 30.30, and a right-arm bowler of repute. The ball that cut his career short hit him in the eye, causing irreparable damage.

Shaun Pollock

Shaun Pollock’s illustrious test career started in 1995. He is rated number 10 in the best ratings in the LG ICC Ratings and had 421 wickets under his belt from 108 test matches. He is also one of the six players to score 3000 runs in tests (in fact, he made a total of 3700 runs!). As number 7 batsman in the 2007 ODI game against an Asian X1 in Bangalore. He scored 130 runs (the highest ever from a number 7!). Dale Steyn only bettered his position as South Africa’s test leading wicket-taker in 2018. Shaun took over as captain from Hansie Cronje in 2000. After a drop-off in the form in 2003 Cricket World Cup, he lost the captaincy, and his lousy way continued throughout the 2005/6 series against Australia. He re-joined the test team in the series against West Indies and announced his retirement after that. The International Cricket Council rate Shaun 1st in test bowling, 37th in test batting and 1st in all-rounders.

Jonty Rhodes

Jonty Rhodes, born in 1969, was a right-hand batsman and a right-arm medium bowler. His fame came from his skill as a fielder where his quick response and speed on the field was unequalled. His style revolutionized fielding throughout the world. His grass green stained whites were iconic, and he never left the area otherwise. His hard work and training were exemplary. Balls that no-one else would even attempt to stop were magically halted in mid-flight, often to the batsman surprise! After concentrating on his batting ability, his game improved to the extent that he averaged over 50 for the rest of his batting career. He finally left the test field after the 2003 World Cup due to a broken finger.

Allan Donald

Allan Donald is one of the most accomplished cricketers South Africa has ever fielded. His pace bowling caught many a batsman off-guard, and in 72 tests he competed in, he claimed 330 wickets. Known as the “White Lightning” due to his blond hair, he became known for his victory “ flight” with his arms outspread, as he circled the field after claiming a vital wicket. He also bowled 272 batsmen out in 164 ODIs, and he has joined Graeme Pollock and Barry Richards in the South African Hall of Fame.