South Africa veteran Westcott dies aged 85

Dick Westcott, who played five Tests for South Africa in the 1950s, has died at the age of 85.

Westcott, who was the first and to date only Test cricketer born in Portugal, was a more-than-useful allrounder who opened the innings with style rather than dourness, and was also a capable if little-used medium-pace change bowler. His achievements were all the more remarkable considering that he suffered a serious injury to his left arm in a car crash early in his career.

He made his Test debut in the third Test against the touring New Zealanders in 1953-54, scoring a career-best 62 in the second innings, but failed to shine in the remaining two matches.

He forced his way back into the side during the series against Australia in 195-58 with a good run of form which included two of his four career hundreds as well as an impressive half-century against the tourists for Western Province. However, he scored 18 runs in three innings against Australia and was dropped for good - all 18 runs came in the second innings of his comeback Test when he was the only South African other than Trevor Goddard to reach double figures.