Sporting legends: Eddie Barlow – South Africa’s Tenacious All-Rounder- Career HLs, video

 

Eddie Barlow – South Africa’s Tenacious All-Rounder

Introduction & Date of Birth
Edgar John Barlow, widely known as Eddie Barlow, was born on 12 August 1940 in Pretoria, South Africa, and passed away on 30 December 2005 in Marondera, Zimbabwe. A fiercely determined cricketer with an unyielding fighting spirit, Barlow was one of South Africa’s most influential all-rounders during the 1960s and early 1970s. Nicknamed "Bunter", he was renowned for his aggressive batting, accurate medium-pace bowling, and inspirational leadership both on and off the field.

Style of Play
Barlow was a combative right-handed batsman who relished challenging conditions, often thriving against top-quality opposition. His batting was marked by solid technique, powerful drives, and an ability to accelerate when needed. As a right-arm medium-pace bowler, he was highly effective with the new ball and adept at breaking partnerships through intelligent variations. In the field, he was exceptionally safe in the slips, known for his sharp reflexes and anticipation.

Career Highlights in Detail

• Test Career
  Eddie Barlow played 30 Test matches for South Africa between 1961 and 1970, scoring 2,516 runs at an impressive average of 45.74 with 6 centuries and 15 fifties. With the ball, he claimed 40 wickets at an average of 34.05, proving his worth as a genuine all-rounder.
  He was a cornerstone of the South African side that emerged as one of the best teams in the world before the country’s isolation from international cricket.

• First-Class Record
  In 251 first-class matches, Barlow amassed over 18,000 runs at an average above 40, with 43 centuries, and took more than 500 wickets, highlighting his all-round mastery.

• Batting
  Barlow’s batting was fearless and adaptable — equally capable of digging in for a long innings or attacking from the start. His centuries often came in pressure situations, lifting the morale of his team.

• Bowling
  Though not express pace, Barlow’s bowling relied on precision, seam movement, and subtle changes of pace. He frequently bowled key spells to break dangerous partnerships.

• Fielding
  As a slip fielder, Barlow was among the safest in his era, holding crucial catches that often changed matches.

Some Best Performances

• Batting

  • 201 vs Australia at Adelaide, 1964 – One of his finest innings, coming in tough Australian conditions, showcasing grit and stroke-play.
  • 109 vs England at Lord’s, 1965 – A classic innings in swinging conditions, against a strong English pace attack.
  • 138 vs Australia at Johannesburg, 1970 – An innings that combined elegance and dominance, helping South Africa to a series win.

• Bowling

  • 4/70 vs Australia at Sydney, 1964 – A decisive bowling effort that swung the match in South Africa’s favour.
  • Numerous match-turning spells in domestic cricket, where he often opened both the batting and bowling for his side.

Legacy
Eddie Barlow’s career was curtailed by South Africa’s sporting isolation, robbing the cricketing world of many more of his performances on the international stage. Beyond statistics, he was admired for his mental toughness, leadership, and ability to inspire teammates. After retiring, Barlow became a successful coach, notably with Derbyshire in England, where he transformed the team’s competitive edge. His all-round skills, combined with his fighting spirit, made him one of South Africa’s cricketing icons, remembered as much for his character as for his cricketing prowess.

Watch glimpse of Eddie Barlow action in a double wicket competition