Today in SA sports history: December 9
1910 — SA’s cricket team begin their first-ever away Test against Australia, a supposedly timeless affair at the Sydney Cricket Ground that eventually lasted six days, including one rest day and a second day where no play was possible. By the end of the first day, the hosts, who won the toss and elected to bat first, were 494/6. Skipper Clem Hill, batting at three, struck 191 and opener Warren Bardsley 132 on the first day. The first Aussie victim was opener Victor Trumper, run out for 27. The first SA bowler to take a wicket was Ormy Pearse, who claimed three Aussie scalps, including those of Hill and Bardsley. SA went on to lose by an innings and 114 runs.
1992 — Brian McMillan takes 4/32 as SA beat India by six wickets in the second ODI in Gqeberha. The hosts reached the 148 target with 20 balls remaining, with Dave Callaghan unbeaten on 45.
1995 — Frans Botha becomes SA’s first IBF world heavyweight champion when he outpoints Axel Schulz for the vacant title in Stuttgart. But his victory was short-lived after he tested positive for steroids and was stripped of the title.
