Dave Callaghan

An aggressive all-rounder who bowled medium pace, Dave Callaghan had the ability to hit the ball a country mile but had a limited international career for South Africa that was dogged with inconsistencies. In the first-class circuit, he had a wealth of experience, having played extensively in the County circuit for Suffolk and Nottinghamshire. Spark of Callaghan's potential was seen in his blistering century against New Zealand in 1994 at the top of the order. That also incidentally happened to be his only fifty-plus score in international cricket. For batsmen in this category, his innings till date remains the highest individual score in ODIs. That the innings came after his recovery from testicular cancer spoke volumes about his volumes. Callaghan was an efficient medium pacer too and despite not being extremely quick, he had the skills to hit the right areas and break partnerships. There was an eight-year gap between his ODI debut and farewell - a fact that shows his uneventful fortunes at the highest level. Callaghan's cousin, Justin Kemp, later represented South Africa with a comparatively higher distinction.

By Hariprasad Sadanandan