Trevor Goddard

One of the great but most seldom acknowledged allrounders, Trevor Goddard is remembered for leading South Africa to a drawn series in Australia in 1963-64 after he had become captain virtually by default and his team had been described as no-hopers by the media in both countries. Instead, the tour launched the careers of such household names as Graeme and Peter Pollock, Eddie Barlow and Colin Bland. Goddard was a walking coaching manual, a left-hander of classically correct technique with bat and ball. His play was a model of economy of effort, and he was renowned for analysing opponents' strengths and weaknesses with uncanny accuracy and speed. A natural awayswinger to the right-hander, Goddard was also able to move the ball the other way. He remains one of South Africa's most solid opening batsmen. Goddard became an evangelist preacher after his retirement.
Neil Manthorp