Cape Town - Cricket South Africa (CSA) has expressed sadness at the passing of former South
African international cricketer, Syd O’Linn, on Sunday at the age of 89.
A
left-handed batsman and back-up wicketkeeper he represented South Africa in
seven Test matches against England and New Zealand from 1960 to 1962.
He had to
wait until the age of 32 to make his debut on the South African tour of England
in 1960 and was one of the successes from that series, playing in all five Test
matches as a No. 6 batsman. He made a top score of 98 in the third match at
Trent Bridge and finished the series with an average of 32.62.
The fact
that he had played for Kent in the mid-50s as a back-up wicketkeeper to the
great Godfrey Evans undoubtedly played a role in enabling him to adjust to
England conditions.
He also
played soccer for Charlton Athletic during that period and earned an
international soccer cap for South Africa in 1947.
He is
survived by his wife, Elaine.
“On behalf
of the CSA Family I extend our deepest condolences to his family, his friends
and his cricketing colleagues,” commented CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat.