Dudley Theophilus

Dudley Arthur Theophilus (12 May 1911 – 12 May 1936) holds the record as South Africa's youngest first-class cricketer.

Dudley Theophilus
Personal information
Full name
Dudley Arthur Theophilus
Born(1911-05-12)12 May 1911
Baroe, Cape Province, South Africa
Died12 May 1936(1936-05-12) (aged 25)
Mowbray, Cape Town, Cape Province, South Africa
RoleWicket-keeper
Domestic team information
YearsTeam
1926–27 to 1933–34Eastern Province
Career statistics
Competition First-class
Matches 12
Runs scored 133
Batting average 8.31
100s/50s 0/0
Top score 29
Catches/stumpings 9/5
Source: Cricinfo, 21 October 2018

Dudley Theophilus was born in Baroe, a small settlement in eastern Cape Province on the railway line between Klipplaat and Kleinpoort, about 150 kilometres inland from Port Elizabeth. Aged 15 years and 309 days, and while attending Grey High School in Port Elizabeth, he made his first-class debut for Eastern Province against Western Province in the 1926–27 Currie Cup. Keeping wickets, he conceded no byes in the match.[1][2][3]

Theophilus played regularly for Eastern Province over the next few seasons, and also represented South African Schools against the touring MCC in 1927–28.[4] He died on his 25th birthday.[1]

References
  1. "Obituaries in 1936", Wisden 1937.
  2. Austin, Warwick (11 October 2016). "Schoolboy shining for Lions". SA Cricket Mag. Retrieved 20 October 2018.
  3. "First-Class Youngest Players". ACS. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  4. "South African Schools v MCC 1927–28". CricketArchive. Retrieved 20 October 2018.
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