My ongoing research for a book on the glory days of South Africa’s domestic Benson & Hedges Night Series cricket led me to an exclusive chat with Brian McMillan this morning. While best known for being the man who had to pat away the single delivery South Africa were cruelly left to score 22 runs in the 1992 World Cup semi-final, the burly all-rounder was also a star of the Transvaal team that dominated the domestic scene for long periods during the isolation era. He also later played for Western Province.
While ‘Big Mac’ has spoken in the past about his time as an international cricketer, this interview focuses on what life was like for a big name playing in front of the packed houses during the isolation era. There’s a particular focus on the Night Series, which was the world’s first domestic cricket competition under floodlights - and nothing short of a phenomenon at the time.
By the way, if you’ve got any photos of B&H Night Series cricket (prints, slides or negatives), please leave a comment to get in touch! Pictures are very elusive!
With that, take a listen!
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The Brian McMillan Interview