The Black Caps and the Proteas will play for the new trophy which commemorates the tragic events of 70 years ago when 151 people on the overnight express from Wellington to Auckland on Christmas Eve, including Nerissa Love, the fiancee of New Zealand fast bowler Bob Blair, lost their lives in the country’s worst rail disaster.
The tragedy was particularly relevant to the New Zealand and South African teams of the day as it coincided with the second test at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, where Blair was opening the bowling for his country.
Just 21, he was woken in the early hours of the second morning of the test to be told he had lost the love of his life.
He stayed at the hotel grieving as his team-mates resumed the match. The flags of both countries were lowered to half-mast.
Blair’s unexpected appearance out of the players’ tunnel after New Zealand lost its ninth wicket stunned the knowledgeable Ellis Park crowd into silence, and left players from both sides in tears.
Balir was met at the wicket by New Zealand batting great Bert Sutcliffe who had retired hurt after being felled by a bouncer by South African quick Neil Adcock but had returned to the wicket, his forehead swathed in bandages.
Today, Blair’s story of tragedy and courage, and the manner in which the South African team, board and public rallied around to support him and his team-mates, remains one of the defining chapters of New Zealand sport.
The Tangiwai Shield, created by carver David Ngawati (Ngāti Hine), is made from New Zealand native timber puriri, and includes an inlaid mere made from pounamu sourced from the Tangiwai region.
Blair lives in the UK with his wife, Barbara. He is the only surviving player from the test.
NZC chief executive Scott Weenink said the trophy was a fitting acknowledgement of what he considered one of the great stories of Kiwi sporting courage.
“The background to this test match is one of the most sad and moving and heart-breaking stories imaginable," he 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."
Cricket South Africa chief executive Pholetsi Moseki welcomed the initiative.
“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."
The first match of the of the series starts tomorrow at Bay Oval.
— Staff reporter
