Rupert de Smidt (23 November 1883 – 3 August 1986) was a South African cricketer who played first-class cricket for Western Province. He is the fifth oldest of the 23 first-class cricketers known to have surpassed 100 years of age.The first Australian cricketer to achieve century, Cricinfo, Retrieved on 24 January 2009
Born in Cape Town, de Smidt played four matches for Western Province during the 1912/13 season.First-Class Matches played by Rupert de Smidt, CricketArchive, Retrieved on 24 January 2009 A leg break bowlerHis Wisden obituary records him as a fast bowler, however CricketArchive and Cricinfo both have him as a leg break bowler he took 16 wickets at an average of 18.00, finishing his only first-class season as Western Province's leading wicket-taker.Currie Cup 1912/13 - Bowling for Western Province, CricketArchive, Retrieved on 24 January 2009 His best bowling figures of 4/40 came on his debut against Transvaal after he had taken 4/65 in the first innings.Western Province v Transvaal, Currie Cup 1912/13, CricketArchive, Retrieved on 24 January 2009
De Smidt was a lower order batsman, batting at number eight in four of his five innings. He scored 74 runs at an average of 18.50, with a highest score of 42 not out against Orange Free State.Western Province v Orange Free State, Currie Cup 1912/13, CricketArchive, Retrieved on 24 January 2009
De Smidt died aged 102 years 253 days in Cape Town. His Wisden obituary stated he "was believed to be the oldest first-class cricketer".Obituaries, 1986, Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, Retrieved on 24 January 2009 The record passed to Jim Hutchinson in August 1999.Cricket Diary: Hutchinson extends age limit, Cricinfo, Retrieved on 24 January 2009
See also Lists of oldest cricketers
References
External links Cricinfo profile CricketArchive profile