Perchance to Bowl by John Waite offers a compelling and thoughtful look at Test cricket through the eyes of one of South Africa’s finest wicketkeeper-batsmen of the post-war era. First published in 1961, the book captures a pivotal period in international cricket, just prior to South Africa’s isolation from the global game.
Blending personal memoir with technical insight, Waite reflects on his experiences behind the stumps and at the crease, providing readers with a rare dual perspective on the game. His writing explores the demands of wicketkeeping at the highest level, the tactical nuances of batting under pressure, and the evolving nature of Test cricket during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
The narrative is enriched with observations on teammates, opponents, and notable matches, offering valuable context to an era that saw intense competition between cricketing nations. Waite’s commentary is measured and intelligent, shedding light on the mental discipline, preparation, and adaptability required to succeed in elite cricket.
Importantly, the book also serves as a historical snapshot of South African cricket before its exclusion from international competition because of its apartheid policy, a system of racial segregation enforced by the government from 1948. Making this both a sporting memoir and a document of broader cricketing history.
Scarce book.
Perchance to Bowl – John Waite First Edition 1961 | South African Cricket Book
Under apartheid, South Africa enforced strict racial separation:
- Teams were selected on racial lines (white-only national teams)
- Non-white players were excluded from representing the country
- Visiting teams were expected to comply with segregation rules.
In 1968, England selected Basil D'Oliveira—a South African-born player of mixed race—for their tour of South Africa.
- The South African government refused to accept him
- The tour was cancelled
- This caused global outrage and exposed apartheid’s incompatibility with international sport
This incident is widely seen as the decisive moment that led to South Africa’s sporting isolation. In 1970, South Africa was formally excluded from international cricket until 1991. During this period, South Africa played only unofficial “rebel tours”
Title: Perchance to Bowl
Author: John Waite
Editor: R. S. Whitington
Publisher: Nicholas Kaye Limited
Place of Publication: London, England
Year: 1961
Edition: First Edition
Format: Hardcover with Dust Jacket
Pages: 176
Genre: Cricket / Sports Biography / Memoir
Dust Jacket: Present (price clipped)
Condition: Dust Jacket:Present and visually striking. Light general shelf wear with minor edge rubbing and slight creasing. Price clipped to front flap. No major tears visible. Overall very good for age. Boards & Spine: Original red cloth boards are clean and well-preserved. Gilt lettering to spine remains bright and legible. Very minor handling wear only. Excellent. Binding: Firm and square. No signs of loosening. Very good to excellent. Pages & Interior: Pages appear clean with light, even age-toning typical of early 1960s paper. No markings, inscriptions, or foxing visible from provided images. Very good. Overall Condition
