George Fullerton

Fullerton, George Murray, died in Cape Town on November 19, 2002, aged 79. He toured England twice with South Africa, keeping wicket in two Tests in 1947 and playing three as a batsman in 1951, when he hit 1,129 runs at 31.36 in his 20 firstclass games. In between, he kept in the last two Tests against the 1949-50 Australians and made a Test-best 88 at his native Johannesburg to help avoid the follow-on. George Fullerton made his first-class debut in December 1942 for the Rest of South Africa against an Air Force XI at Johannesburg. He was just 20, and there would be three years of naval service before he played for Transvaal, impressing with his alert glovework and making a maiden century before the summer was through. He was one of three wicket-keepers taken to England in 1947 and, after Doug Ovenstone broke his finger, the only option when South Africa dropped Johnny Lindsay at Headingley. Wisden noted his driving, cutting and quick footwork during the tour. However, Fullerton could play only three games for Transvaal over the next two seasons and Natal's Billy Wade, unable to tour in 1947, resumed as South Africa's keeper until 1949-50, when Fullerton came back. Russell Endean took over as Transvaal's wicket-keeper in 1950- 51 and Fullerton played as a batsman. Averaging 66.20, helped by 112 and 94 against Western Province, he played a significant role in their Currie Cup victory. His good form continued in England, where he hit a career-best 167 against Essex at Ilford. Business commitments allowed him no more first-class cricket after the tour. In 63 games he had scored 2,768 runs at 31.10, held 64 catches, made 18 stumpings and taken three wickets at 35.66. In seven Tests he scored 325 runs at 25.00, held ten catches and made two stumpings. His younger brother Ian also represented Transvaal.
Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 2003