In praise of … John Arlott

In the life story of the cricketer Basil D'Oliveira, rightful recipient of many tributes upon his sad death this weekend , an invaluable role was played by the journalist John Arlott. The son of a tailor in 50s Cape Town, the mixed race D'Oliveira had outstanding ability – but no coaching, nor any access to the best, white-only, grounds. He would have given it up to become a printer, were it not for Arlott. As his biographer, Peter Oborne , notes, Dolly sometimes listened to the cricket commentator on the World Service and wrote him a pleading letter in green ink: "I daresay this is only a minor detail compared, I presume, to your other escapades ..." (imagine such politesse from Pietersen). Arlott not only read the letter; he lobbied John Kay at the Manchester Evening News to help: "Asking him over here might change the sporting and … the political face of South Africa, which seems to me to be very worthwhile." A job came up at Middleton cricket club – and D'Oliveira was on his way to becoming an England cricketing legend. This was not the only time British journalism would rally behind the all-rounder. When he was omitted from the 1968 side touring South Africa , a Guardian leader thundered: "Anyone who would swallow that would believe the moon was a currant bun." Dolly was many things: a good man, a beautiful cricketer and a symbol of hope at a bleak time. He was also a reminder of the good journalists can do – and that letters in green ink can be worth reading.