A star from Cape Province, Bert Vogler was an exceptional fast bowler who was versatile enough to be able to bowl leg spin when he wanted to. Such was his skill levels that he was titled the best bowler during his era by many reputed batsmen. Having settled in Durban during his childhood, he moved to England, joining Middlesex and playing with distinction for the County. Subsequently, Vogler started playing Tests for South Africa and though the international career was short-lived, he had enough good phases to be tagged the best in the world. His immaculate action which made it tough to decipher a difference between the leg break and googly, made him an absolute force to reckon with. Vogler enjoyed his best times in England and South Africa but couldn’t cope with the pitches of Australia which offered nothing for the spinners. That maiden visit Down Under was the beginning of the end for Vogler who later on wrapped up his career around the time of the First World War. During the latter stages of his career, his batting which had been largely ineffective, picked up steam and he was good enough to be labelled a bowling all-rounder.

By Hariprasad Sadanandan