Streets of Play

South African non-racial sport administrators were unanimous in their opinion that facilities provided for black sportsmen were far from sufficient. Since the 1870s, at least, Capetonians played cricket in the streets, particularly on the Grand Parade, since there was no decent wicket whereon to bat. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, open fields and streets were becoming unacceptable spaces for the middle-class bourgeoisie to play their sport with the working classes. These open fields were avoided by upper-class socialites because they were located close to parts of what were termed Malay fields, past the backyards of poorer homes that had become almost slums. Playing fields were increasingly enclosed by the late 19th century, where black people were refused entry or admitted on segregation terms. This left many black players to learn and hone their skills of play on the streets of Cape Town. These playing skills, different from those of establishment players, were transferred to the venues set aside for them. From these players emerged a cohort of international cricketers, foremost amongst them was the St Augustine and later English player, Basil D’Oliveira.