Pioneer for the blacks,Henry continues to bat for meritocracy

Nearly 59-years old now,Henry was back at the majestic arches of the Kingsmead pavilion before a bout of nostalgia sent him down memory lane. “Many thought we were going to be beaten exactly like this when we played Test cricket for the first time in 1992,” Henry says. Pointing towards the Umgeni End,he adds,“I was fielding right here when we came back into the international fold. Durban always brings back many memories.”

There were many firsts in that drawn Test — South Africa played their first home game since 1970,Kepler Wessels became the first man to score centuries for two nations (Australia being the other),a third-umpire was brought into play in a Test match (Sachin Tendulkar run-out),Stephen Cook became the first to be dismissed for a golden duck on debut. But the one that stands out — Henry becoming the oldest man to make his debut for a race-soured nation.

Standing an earshot away from his fielding position 18 years prior,Henry recalls how he nearly missed playing for South Africa. At 40,nobody gave him a chance but the past-his-prime all-rounder was somehow included to take on the visiting Indians,led by Mohammad Azharuddin.

“Before the tour that was called the Friendship Series,I was at the fag end of my career. I never hoped to ever represent my land. But in 1990,we heard that maybe South Africa will be allowed to return to the arena.

“The hope brought me back from Scotland,who I was representing at that time,and I started playing in Free State under a 19-year old boy called Hansie Cronje,who inspired me to do well. Two years later,in our very first Test match,I was in the playing XI,” Henry says,before adding,“After baking a cake for 18 years,I finally got the cherry on top.”

But how did he manage to compete with players half his age,like Jonty Rhodes? Fitness,he says. “The players would tease me for my age. We were touring the West Indies after the 1992 World Cup,and the entire squad raced for a bag of Jamaican dollars before going to Barbados. It was a 100-metre sprint and one of them said,‘Omar,you give your body a 10-yard lead.’ When the race was over,I had won by 15-yards.”

Quitting on own terms

Just like the race,Henry’s career flourished for a while before he called it quits. “While others had ambitions of playing for SA,mine was to quit on my own terms. Ambitions change with age,mine was to retire on a high.” SA beating India in their first Test series was that high.

Eighteen years later,Henry has seen it all — as administrator,coach and chief selector. But the role he enjoyed most — mentor to black nurseries around the country.

“I still oppose quota,for I believe a black person should play for the country only if he deserves it. Makhaya (Ntini) did,I did and Basil D’Oliviera before me did. Then why should the coming generation be given a place they don’t deserve. I would love for more people of my kind to play for my country,but South African cricket must grow with the process.”