CSA tribute to titan of cricket field
Ex-captain Goddard one of SA’s star all-rounders
CRICKET SA was in mourning yesterday following the death of former South African captain, Trevor Goddard. He had been in poor health for some time. Goddard, who died on Friday at the age of 85, represented South Africa under the aegis of the South African Cricket Association in 41 test matches from 1955 to 1970.
A left-handed opening batsman and left-arm medium-pace bowler, he was one of the outstanding all-rounders of his generation, making 2 516 runs, including one century and taking 123 wickets including five five-wicket hauls.
His best return of 6/53 came in the first test match against Australia in the 1966-67 season when SA beat Australia in a home test match for the first time.
He was also an outstanding fielder, both close to the wicket and in the deep.
He will be best remembered for leading South Africa to Australia in 1963-64 when they shared the five-match test series 1-1.
This series marked the emergence of South Africa as a true world power for the first time and effectively established the likes of the Pollock brothers – Peter and Graeme – Eddie Barlow, Colin Bland and Denis Lindsay as genuine global stars.
He was in the South African side from the time of his debut against England in 1955 until he briefly retired when he lived in England for a period in the early 1960s.
When he returned he resumed his international career, leading South Africa on the tour to Australia and New Zealand and in the home series against England in 1964-65.
He was unavailable for the 1965 tour of England after being poorly treated as captain by the national selectors but returned to play for South Africa under the captaincy of Peter van der Merwe and Ali Bacher in the victorious home series against Australia prior to isolation.
Because he had indicated his intention to retire after the latter series and ahead of the cancelled tour of England in 1970, he was dropped for what would have been his final test against Australia in a decision that paid scant regard to the wonderful service he had given as captain and player.
He represented Natal at provincial level apart from a brief spell with North-Eastern Transvaal.
“Trevor was a humble man who served the game with great distinction both on and off the field,” CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat said.
“On behalf of the CSA family I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”