Tony Harris (sportsman) facts for kids

Terence Anthony Harris (born August 27, 1916 – died March 7, 1993), known as Tony Harris, was a famous South African sportsman. He was the last person to play two different sports for his country at the highest level. This means he was a "dual international" in both cricket and rugby union.

Tony Harris played rugby for South Africa five times in the 1930s. He was a fly-half, which is a key player who directs the team's attack. After World War II, he played Test cricket three times between 1947 and 1949. In cricket, he was known as an attacking batsman.

Even though he was not very tall (about 168 cm or five feet six inches), Harris was very quick and agile. This helped him a lot in rugby. His agility also made him an amazing fielder in cricket. He was a great all-round athlete and was also good at sports like tennis and squash.

Tony Harris's Rugby Career

Tony Harris went to school at St. Patrick's Christian Brothers' College, Kimberley. He played club rugby for a team called Pirates in Johannesburg. Even though his club did not suggest him for the national team, he was chosen to play for South Africa. This happened for their tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1937.

After South Africa lost their first match against New Zealand, Tony Harris joined the team for the second game. This allowed another great player, Danie Craven, to play in his best position. South Africa then won the series 2–1. This was the only time South Africa has ever won a Test series in New Zealand.

The next year, in 1938, he played in all three matches against the British Lions team visiting South Africa. Tony Harris was a different kind of fly-half. He liked to use grubber kicks (kicking the ball along the ground) instead of kicking it far away. He and Danie Craven formed a very successful team together.

Tony Harris's Cricket Career

Tony Harris started his first-class cricket career when he was just 17 years old. He played for Griqualand West in the Currie Cup. In his very first match against Orange Free State, he scored 114 runs and was not out (meaning he was still batting at the end).

Later, he moved to Johannesburg and played for the Transvaal team starting from the 1936–37 season.

Playing for South Africa

In the 1945–46 season, Tony Harris scored two centuries (100 runs or more in one game). Because of this, he was chosen to play for South Africa on their tour of England in 1947. He played his first Test match at Trent Bridge. He scored 60 runs in that game. Wisden, a famous cricket book, said he hit "strong square-cuts and cover-drives."

In his second Test match at Lord's, he scored 30 and 3 runs. He was bowled out by Denis Compton both times. After this, another player, Dennis Dyer, took his place in the Test team. During the whole tour, Tony Harris played 15 first-class matches. He scored 701 runs with an average of 36.89. His only century on that trip was against Glamorgan.

Back in South Africa, Tony Harris was the best batsman in the 1947–48 Currie Cup. He scored 541 runs with an amazing average of 135.25. This included his highest score ever, 191 runs, where he was not out. The next season, he scored 98 runs against the visiting Marylebone Cricket Club (England) team. He was then called back to play in the fourth Test match in Johannesburg. He scored 6 runs and 1 run (not out) in what was his last first-class match.

Second World War Service

During the Second World War, Tony Harris joined the South African Air Force. He served as a pilot. In early 1945, his Spitfire plane was shot down over the Adriatic Sea. He managed to bail out of the plane but was captured. He became a prisoner of war in Italy.

Later Life and Passing

After his cricket career ended, Tony Harris worked for Adidas in South Africa. He was an agent and manager for the company.

Tony Harris passed away on March 7, 1993, when he was 76 years old. He was survived by his wife, Betty, and their three children.