On this day, September 14, 1957, the cricketing world witnessed the birth of a player who would go on to achieve one of the rarest feats in the sport—Kepler Wessels. Born in Bloemfontein, Orange Free State, Wessels made history by becoming the only cricketer to score centuries and amass over 1000 Test runs for two different countries: Australia and South Africa.
Wessels’ journey into international cricket began with Australia when he made a memorable Test debut during the 1982/83 Ashes series. Playing against England in Brisbane, the left-handed opener left an indelible mark by scoring an impressive 162 runs in the first innings, followed by a steady 46 in the second.
His dream debut was capped with Australia securing the win, and Wessels earning the Player of the Match honour. His time with Australia lasted until 1985 when he played his last Test for the team against New Zealand.
Kepler Wessels’ journey with South Africa!
In 1992, following South Africa’s return to international cricket after years of isolation due to apartheid, Wessels made his debut for the Proteas. Not only did he represent South Africa, but he also captained the side, leading them in a historic match against the West Indies in Bridgetown. He continued to show his class, scoring 59 and 74 runs in his debut innings as a South African player.
Wessels’ Test career is a testament to his adaptability and skill. For Australia, he played 24 matches, scoring 1761 runs at an average of 42.95, including four centuries and nine half-centuries. When he donned the South African colours, he added 1027 runs to his name in 16 matches, averaging 38.03. His career totals include 2788 runs in 40 matches, with six centuries and 15 half-centuries.
Beyond international cricket, Wessels enjoyed a distinguished first-class career, playing for teams in South Africa, Australia, and England. His post-playing days saw him take on various roles, from commentator to coach, continuing to contribute to the game he loved.
Today, on his birthday, Kepler Wessels remains celebrated as one of the few cricketers who made a significant impact on the sport across two different nations, a true testament to his enduring talent and versatility.