Denys Hobson Explained

Denys Hobson should not be confused with Denys Hobson (cricketer, born 1983).

Denys Laurence Hobson (born 3 September 1951) is a former South African first-class cricketer. Hobson played as a right-handed batsman and legbreak bowler for Eastern Province and Western Province. His career lasted from 1970–71 to 1984–85. He was born at Port Elizabeth in 1951.

Educated at Kingswood College, Hobson played for Eastern Province in the Nuffield week from 1970 to 1971. He represented South African schools in 1971. He furthered his studies at Rhodes University and played for South African Universities in 1972 and 1973.

Regarded by many as South Africa's best legbreak bowler, before, during and after the years of isolation, he was invited to play in World Series Cricket in Australia in 1977. Because he was an amateur player, for political reasons he was not allowed to play. Graeme Pollock who joined Hobson on this trip, suffered the same fate. Hobson played in a 105 first class matches, taking 374 wickets at an average of 27.52. He maintained a strike rate of 59.1 balls per wicket. In 90 Currie Cup matches he took 319 wickets.

He played for South Africa in four unofficial "Tests" during the Apartheid years and was South African Cricketer of the Year in 1975.