Rupert de Smidt

Rupert de Smidt (23 November 1883 – 3 August 1986) was a South African cricketer who played first-class cricket for Western Province. He is the fifth oldest of the 23 first-class cricketers known to have surpassed 100 years of age.[1]

Born in Cape Town, de Smidt played four matches for Western Province during the 1912/13 season.[2] A leg break bowler[3] he took 16 wickets at an average of 18.00, finishing his only first-class season as Western Province's leading wicket-taker.[4] His best bowling figures of 4/40 came on his debut against Transvaal after he had taken 4/65 in the first innings.[5]

De Smidt was a lower order batsman, batting at number eight in four of his five innings. He scored 74 runs at an average of 18.50, with a highest score of 42 not out against Orange Free State.[6]

De Smidt died aged 102 years 253 days in Cape Town. His Wisden obituary stated he "was believed to be the oldest first-class cricketer".[7] The record passed to Jim Hutchinson in August 1999.[8]

See also

References
  1. The first Australian cricketer to achieve century, Cricinfo, Retrieved on 24 January 2009
  2. First-Class Matches played by Rupert de Smidt, CricketArchive, Retrieved on 24 January 2009
  3. His Wisden obituary records him as a fast bowler, however CricketArchvie and Cricinfo both have him as a leg break bowler
  4. Currie Cup 1912/13 - Bowling for Western Province, CricketArchive, Retrieved on 24 January 2009
  5. Western Province v Transvaal, Currie Cup 1912/13, CricketArchive, Retrieved on 24 January 2009
  6. Western Province v Orange Free State, Currie Cup 1912/13, CricketArchive, Retrieved on 24 January 2009
  7. Obituaries, 1986, Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, Retrieved on 24 January 2009
  8. Cricket Diary: Hutchinson extends age limit, Cricinfo, Retrieved on 24 January 2009
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