Image Credit- NZC
The Tangiwai Shield will now be played for all New
Zealand and South Africa Test series, beginning with the two-match series
scheduled to kick off at Mount Maunganui on February 4. The award honours the
sad events of 1953, when the nation’s worst rail accident claimed the lives of
151 passengers on the Wellington to Auckland train on Christmas eve. Among them
was Nerissa Love, the fiancé of New Zealand fast bowler Bob Blair.
Blair was participating in the second Test match
between South Africa and New Zealand at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on December
24 when the tragedy occurred. New Zealand’s seam attack limited South Africa to
259 for 8 on the first day of play. After spending Christmas at their team
hotel, the New Zealand players learned of the disaster when they awoke on
Boxing Day.
Blair stayed behind to mourn at the motel. He had
withdrew from the contest, it was announced, and half-mast flags were flown at
the stadium.
But after New Zealand lost their ninth wicket for 154
in the first innings, shocking both the players and the Ellis Park crowd, Blair
emerged from the players’ tunnel. He and Bert Sutcliffe put up a stand of 33
runs to force New Zealand to 187. It is still regarded as one of the key events
in the history of sports in New Zealand.
“The background to this Test match is one of the
most sad and moving and heart-breaking stories imaginable,” NZC chief
executive Scott Weenink said. “It’s also an uplifting story of incredible
courage and resilience, and in terms of the South African team and public,
great compassion and empathy. I’m delighted to see this very important part of
cricket history properly recognised and acknowledged.”
CSA chief executive Pholetsi Moseki said, “On
behalf of CSA, I send my best wishes to everyone who was touched by this
tragedy, and to both teams contesting the inaugural trophy. It’s important that
the teams of today and tomorrow know where they came from, and I’m sure the
Tangiwai Shield will do much to assist with that.”