England

Basil D’Oliveira

Born: October 04, 1931, Signal Hill, Cape Town, Cape Province, South Africa

Basil D’Oliveira bio

Basil Lewis D’Oliveira, fondly known as “Dolly,” was a legendary cricket player from England known for his formidable physical and mental strength. Born on October 4, 1931, in Cape Town, South Africa, D’Oliveira faced several obstacles throughout his life but ultimately emerged as a trailblazer and a beacon of hope.

D’Oliveira’s incredible cricketing journey began when renowned broadcaster and writer John Arlott spotted his talent and paved the way for him to escape the oppressive apartheid regime in South Africa. Arlott facilitated D’Oliveira’s move to Middleton, the Central Lancashire League club, as a professional player in 1960. This opportunity proved to be a turning point in his life, opening doors to Worcestershire in 1964 and eventually the English cricket team in 1966.

D’Oliveira’s arrival at Worcestershire introduced the cricketing world to a readymade all-rounder of immense skill and determination. His physical prowess and mental fortitude were exemplified in numerous occasions when England found themselves in dire straits. His ability to relentlessly flay opposition bowlers with powerful back-foot strokes, coupled with his accurate and deceptive medium-pace bowling, made him a force to be reckoned with.

Throughout his career, D’Oliveira became a symbol of defiance against the apartheid regime in South Africa. His talent and success transcended racial boundaries, garnering admiration from fans and cricketers worldwide. He became a source of inspiration and brought joy to those who opposed racial segregation, with John Arlott’s bold initiative being instrumental in facilitating D’Oliveira’s rise to fame.

While D’Oliveira’s impact on the cricketing world was immense, there is a lingering sense of regret among fans and historians. If D’Oliveira’s exceptional skills had been recognized earlier in his life, especially during his youth at the age of 19, his records of runs and wickets would have undoubtedly solidified his position among the cricketing greats.

D’Oliveira’s statistics speak volumes about his abilities and contributions to the sport. His economy rate in Test matches stood at an impressive 1.95 runs per over, a testament to his accuracy and control as a bowler. Although the records may not fully capture his true worth, D’Oliveira’s legacy transcends mere numbers and continues to inspire future generations of cricketers.

Off the field, D’Oliveira’s personal life was marked by challenges and triumphs. His journey as an athlete of color during a time of racial segregation instilled a sense of resilience and determination that he carried throughout his life. D’Oliveira’s success as a cricketer also paved the way for other talented players from diverse backgrounds to have their voices and talents heard.

Basil Lewis D’Oliveira’s contributions to the sport of cricket and his fight against apartheid have forever etched his name in the annals of history. Beyond his exceptional cricketing skills, D’Oliveira embodied the qualities of courage, resilience, and the power to inspire change. His impact on the sport and his role in breaking down racial barriers will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Basil D’Oliveira career stats

Batting stats

Batting Matches Innings Nos Runs High score Ave BF SR 100s 50s 4s 6s Ct St
Tests 44 70 8 2484 158 40.06 - - 5 15 - 14 29 0
T20Is - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ODIs 4 4 1 30 17 10 43 69.76 0 0 3 0 1 0
FC 367 575 91 19490 227 40.26 - - 45 101 - - 215 0
List A 187 171 20 3770 102 24.96 - - 2 19 - - 44 0
T20s - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Bowling stats

Bowling Matches Innings Balls Runs Wkts BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 4w 5w 10w
Tests 44 66 5706 1859 47 3/46 5/62 39.55 1.95 121.4 0 0 0
T20Is - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ODIs 4 4 204 140 3 1/19 1/19 46.66 4.11 68 0 0 0
FC 367 - 41079 15126 551 6/29 - 27.45 2.2 74.5 - 17 2
List A 187 - 7892 4478 190 5/26 5/26 23.56 3.4 41.5 6 1 0
T20s - - - - - - - - - - - - -

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