Cape Town - Cricket South Africa (CSA) has paid tribute to former captain Peter van der Merwe who passed away in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday at the age of 75. He had been in poor health for some time.
Originally a left-arm spinner, Van der Merwe became a dependable middle-order batsman and was also one of several outstanding fielders for South Africa in the 1960s.
But he will best be remembered for his dynamic, innovative and attacking skills as a leader. He captained South Africa in eight Test matches, leading the team to a series victory in England in 1965 and then leading them to South Africa’s first ever series victory over Australia at home in the summer of 1966/67.
In all he played 15 Test matches, making his debut as vice-captain under Trevor Goddard on the tour to Australia and New Zealand in 1963/64 when they drew the Test series both in Australia (the best away result for South Africa in that country up to that stage) and New Zealand.
RIP
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