Jackie Hendriks

Jackie Hendriks was a tall, cheerful, wicketkeeper as well as a capable lower-order batsman. Initially a deputy to Gerry Alexander, he made his Test debut against India in 1961-62 where he top scored with 64 despite a broken a finger. He had to wait another two years before he regained his place from the impressive Deryck Murray, and then after three matches, he was hospitalised when struck by a Graham McKenzie bouncer at Bridgetown against Australia. For some time, his life was in danger, but he made a full recovery and played in 15 more Tests, all overseas, against Australia, India, New Zealand and England. Almost inevitably, he missed the 1967-68 home series against England through injury. As a keeper he was reliable whether standing up or back, and three times he kept without conceding a bye in totals which exceeded 500. After retirement he became a leading administrator, and his good-humoured nature was to the fore when he managed the 1984 and 1988 tours to England. In the 1990s he became one of the ICC's more reliable match referees.
Martin Williamson