South Africa is a powerhouse in global cricket. But they have had to go through their fair share of trials and tribulations. Apartheid was one such testing phase for South African cricket. In this article, we will revisit a watershed moment for South Africa when Omar Henry became the first non-white cricketer to play for South Africa in 1992.
The Proteas were making a comeback into international cricket after a long ouster from international cricket because of Apartheid policies. Omar Henry’s call-up to the Test squad was a message to the global cricket community that South Africa will be a united force.
The debut against India
The Indian team toured South Africa in 1992/93 for a 4-match Test series. Omar Henry got his maiden call-up to the squad and it was a big moment for the cricketer. In the first Test match of the series at Durban, Omar made his Test debut. The slow left-arm orthodox started his Test career on a positive note as he picked up a couple of wickets in the first innings. He dismissed Kiran More, who had already scored 55 runs, and Anil Kumble to open his account in Test cricket.
Omar Henry was not included in the starting XI for the second Test but he returned to the lineup in the third match of the series at Gqeberha. The spinner played in the fourth Test as well but unfortunately, it proved to be the last Test match of his career. He could not get much success with the ball which resulted in his exclusion from the squad.
Omar had a wealth of experience in first-class cricket as he played 131 first-class matches and picked up 443 wickets at an impressive average of 25.17. The South African later went on to represent Scotland as well. Omar Henry will always be remembered as a symbol of national unity and inclusiveness in South Africa.