All-rounder Jimmy Sinclair played in 25 Tests from 1890 to 1911. He scored South Africas first three Test centuries and was the first player from any country to score a century and take five wickets in an innings in the same Test. He was also a rugby Springbok! By Graham Jooste.
Born in October 1876 in Swellendam, James (Jimmy) Hugh Sinclair was a prodigious striker of the ball, an excellent fielder and, on occasion, a fearsome quick bowler. In short, he was the ideal all-rounder.
When his family moved to the Reef, Sinclair completed his schooling at Marist Brothers in Johannesburg and joined Wanderers Cricket at the age of just 15. His enthusiasm and skill impressed the selectors, and he was chosen to play for Transvaal in the 1892-93 Currie Cup a few weeks after turning 16.
He opened the batting, and his attacking style had purists shaking their heads and muttering about recklessness. Opening batsmen, after all, are expected to be patient, play elegant strokes and take the shine off the ball, leaving the middle order to score most of the runs.
Sinclair, however, scored a quick 37 in the first innings and 11 in the second, and took eight wickets against Western Province. In due course, his highly competitive nature would stand South Africa in good stead when it came to international cricket.
THE JAMESON RAID
The 1890s saw political uncertainty swirling in South Africa. The Uitlanders in the Transvaal had for some time been expressing their grievances, but these met with little sympathy from President Paul Kruger, who eyed them as a threat to the stability of his republic. Worse, the British government was casting covetous eyes on the Reef’s gold mines.
During this period, Martin Hawke (known as Lord Hawke, although he had inherited a barony), twice led an England cricket squad on a tour to South Africa. Hawke was a stylish right-handed batsman who was said to have a ‘missionary-like zeal’ to develop cricket abroad. In all, he undertook nine tours as a player, leading teams to Australia, India (twice), North America (twice), South Africa (twice), the West Indies and Argentina.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.
