South Africa and Cricket in 1918

This article is about cricket history in South Africa for the period until the end of the First World War in 1918. In 1889, the South African spectators witnessed the first ever contest of first-class cricket at the Curie Cup. One of the earliest memories of cricket in South Africa goes back to 1808 when 2 teams from the Dutch East India Company settlement played against each other. Later on in 1862, an annual contest was arranged in Cape Town, known as “Mother Country vs. Colonial Born”.

South Africa entered test Cricket and first-class cricket both at the same time in 1889 when they played against England at Port Elizabeth’s St. George’s Park Cricket Ground. England won comfortably on both occasions under the captaincy of C. Aubrey Smith. Nearing the end of 1889, domestic matches had started between Transvaal and Kimberly at the inaugural Curie Cup. Later on, the Curie Cup was put on a hold and not played until 1892.

The 1890-91 season saw 4 first-class matches being played with three of them between Eastern Province, Griqualand West and Western Province at the Champion Bat Tournament. Western Province emerged victorious at the tournament after winning over both the opponents. In 1891-92, England team was touring South Africa and the season saw no first-class match being played by the hosts. In 1892-93, another Curie Cup was arranged and this time also it was won by the Western Province. They beat Griqualand West by 109 runs and Transvaal by 91 runs to claim the Cup. Another match played at the tournament between Griqualand West and Transvaal was won by Transvaal by 8 wickets.

From 1899 till 1902, first class cricket matches were abandoned in South Africa on account of the Boer Wars. Again from 1914, there were no domestic matches played till 1919 because of the World War. In 1914, South Africa staged an international tour against England. The first test was played at St. George’s Park Cricket Ground in Port Elizabeth wherein England won by 8 wickets. The second test held at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town was also won by England by an innings and 202 runs.

Again in 1981, England played against South Africa at the Newlands Cricket Ground and won by an innings and 189 runs. The game is particularly remembered for other interesting occurrences. Both Ferris and Billy Murdoch had earlier played for Australia and were playing for England on account of residence. Also Frank Hearne had previously played for England and was now playing for South Africa. Also this was a second occasion when 3 brothers were playing on the same match, George Hearne, Frank Hearne and Alec Hearne. While Frank played for South Africa, rest two brothers played for the opponents.

South Africa played 15 more tests against England and 3 against Australia. South Africa won 7 tests out of those, all against England while lost the rest of them. In 1914, they played 5 tests against England but lost all of them but one that was tied.