Former South African Test batsman Roy Mclean (77) has died in Johannesburg after a long illness, the South African Broadcasting Corporation reported on August 27.
McLean played 40 Test matches, and is best remembered for a match-winning unbeaten 76 against Australia in 1955. The Aussies led the series 2-1 and had scored 520 in their first innings, but McLean’s knock won the match and drew the series.
He was also one of the few successes in South Africa’s Test tour to England in 1960. The following year he was named one of Wisden’s cricketers of the year.
In 1961, he led an unofficial tour to England by a team that included future greats such as Eddie Barlow, Colin Bland, Peter Pollock and Denis Lindsay.
McLean was also a useful rugby player, and is credited with a drop goal that gave Natal victory over the touring Australians in 1953.
He leaves his wife of 51 years, Barbara, two daughters and six grandchildren. — Sapa