Bert Sutcliffe
It was one of the most emotional Test matches of all time. South Africa had won the match by 132 runs. But the match is known for the courage of a batsman. South Africa scored 271. Neil Adcock and David Ironside bowled hostile spells. But on the second day, the news came of a tragic train accident in New Zealand which claimed the life of Kiwi cricketer Bob Blair’s fiancée.
Meanwhile, Adcock and Ironside made the ball talk. One of the sharp rising delivery hit on the side of Sutcliffe’s head. He was grounded and was admitted to the hospital. There was no fracture, but it was seen that there was an earlobe split. There was a huge swell behind his ear. Doctors have asked Sutcliffe to take complete bed rest. But as New Zealand team start losing wickets. Sutcliffe resumed his innings. He scored an extraordinary 80, though his innings was not enough. South Africa easily won the match, but this match still remembered as Sutcliffe’s courage on the field.