Tributes have been paid to one of cricket's most influential players who began his illustrious career in Middleton.

Basil D'Oliveira became a leading light in the fight against apartheid rule in South Africa in a glittering career that saw him represent England 44 times.

His journey started in 1960 when he came to Middleton after being forced to emigrate from South Africa where the authorities refused to let him play first class cricket because of his race.

He quickly found a welcoming home at the town's cricket club, who he represented for four consecutive seasons before he was signed by Worcestershire.

Paul Rocca, who played along side Basil during his time in Middleton, said he was a popular member of the team in the 1960s.

He said: “He was quite shy and unassuming when he first arrived here but we all did our best to make him feel welcome.”

During his time in the town, Basil or 'Dolly' as he was affectionately known, lived on Rochdale Road and Radcliffe Street and worked at Verity's Printers.

As well as being an accomplished all-rounder, he gained international recognition in 1968 when he was selected to play for England against South Africa.

The South Africans, still in the grip of apartheid, made it clear that Basil would not be welcome as a black player and England pulled out of the tour.

The incident is seen as the start of South Africa's 20-year isolation from international sport, which only ended in the 1990's when black citizens began to get equal rights.

He was brought to Middleton in 1960 by John and Edwin Kay, two members of Middleton Cricket Club who also worked for the Manchester Evening News.

They had heard reports of talented black cricketers who were being denied opportunities by apartheid authorities.

They arranged for one of the best, Basil D'Oliveira, to come to play for Middleton, a move which eventually led him to gain British citizenship and to be picked to play for England.

As well as leaving a lasting legacy in his sport and the fight for equal rights, Basil also left his mark in Middleton.

D'Oliveira Court on Wood Street was named after him, and he came back to Middleton to officially open the sheltered housing complex in 1991.

Councillor Peter Williams, the deputy leader of Rochdale council, said he should be honoured in his adopted town.

He said: “The unassuming non-white cricketer and great all rounder who was adopted by Middleton and who played later for Worcestershire and England for many years will always be remembered in this town.

“A man who more by accident than design stands out in the world alongside Jesse Owens in the significance of his influence, and a man worthy of a blue plaque,  a Middleton hero.”
Basil D'Oliveira died on Saturday aged 80.

Tweet