Kiwi courage at its best

Former New Zealand fast bowler Bob Blair was 21 when he learnt he'd lost the love of his life in a rail tragedy back home. The second Test between New Zealand and South Africa was underway, and he fought through the tragic news to deliver a memorable performance. Another hero on the day was Bert Sutcliffe, who, after recovering in hospital from blows to the head, blasted Hugh Tayfield for three sixes in an over in a brave innings of 80. Sutcliffe and Blair set Boxing Day aglow with their courage, in "a story every New Zealand boy should learn at his mother's knee". Click here to read Richard Boock's flashback to that day in 1953 in SundayStar Times. Click to read Cricinfo's Rewind column on the unforgettable day.

"C'mon son, this is no place for you. Let's swing the bat at the ball and get out of here."

Brittenden wrote vividly of the effect of that scene. Blair's team-mates in the gallery above were weeping openly, as were the South Africans and Sutcliffe. Blair had to wipe tears from his face before receiving his first delivery. And then would come the roar of defiance. Sutcliffe would hit three sixes off a Hugh Tayfield over, and take a single to bring Blair on strike. To the delight of the crowd the Wellington paceman would swing the final ball of the over high over the midwicket boundary and into the terraces.