Ex-S Africa Test cricketer Du Preez dies

CAPE TOWN: Former South Africa spinner and Zimbabwe selector, John Harcourt du Preez - fondly known as Jackie - passed away in Harare Zimbabwe on Wednesday night after a prolonged battle with heart conditions.

Jackie du Preez, born in Zimbabwe, was one of the many cricketers from his nation to represent South Africa under the banner of South African Cricket Association in his country's pre-independence days. A canny legspinner, du Preez also proved to be a decent batter in his playing days, eventually doubling up as all-rounder in a First-Class career that lasted nearly 20 years. He made 4223 runs overall and picked up 402 wickets that includes eleven fifers in First-Class cricket.

In late 1966, du Preez got selected for South Africa on the back of an impressive bowling performance (6/95) in the three-day tour match between Australia and Rhodesia. He played two Tests against the visiting Australian side in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth respectively, picking up three wickets across games with a best of 2/22.