Basil D’Oliveira played in the very first Caller-Pegasus Festival games that did so much to raise funds and aspirations for cricket here in the North-East. He was part of the inaugural International XI which played a Combined Northumberland and Durham team at Jesmond on 6th August 1981. He batted at four, following Glenn Turner, Geoffrey Boycott and Desmond Haynes, ahead of Ian Botham, Tom Graveney, Zaheer Abbas, Kapil Dev, David Bairstow, Chris Old and Dilip Doshi. He scored 66 not out in a total of 275 for 5 in 45 overs but rain prevented a result.
Basil could not play the next day so his place was taken by Mike Gatting in the re-match which Northumberland and Durham won by 23 runs. Basil’s captain in that 1981 visit to the North-East was his Worcester team-mate, Tom Graveney, who has led the tributes in 2011, describing his friend as a ‘wonderful character’.
If you think that is one of the strongest batting line-ups to have played in this part of the world, bear in mind that Basil returned on 5th August 1982 to captain a strong international side himself. Barry Wood was out second ball before Graham Gooch and Allan Lamb put on 235 for the second wicket, each scoring centuries, and they were followed by Clive Lloyd, Derek Randall, Mike Procter and Larry Gomes before Basil came in at number eight, then Geoff Miller, Bob Taylor and Andy Roberts. Basil was again not out, this time on 20 when the 55 overs were completed with the international XI on 357 for 9.
Northumberland and Durham faced an opening attack of Andy Roberts and Mike Procter but scored 234 for 7, with the fourth change bowler, Basil D’Oliveira, taking three wickets, as well as a catch.
The club is always happy to hear from supporters with photos, memorabilia and memories of legendary cricketers playing against us, as well as for us. Ahead of the T20 international here at the Emirates Durham between England and South Africa on 8th September 2012, we would be particularly grateful to be contacted by those who saw Basil D’Oliveira play against Northumberland and Durham.
Supporters can email the Durham CCC Reception at reception@durhamccc.co.uk