Barlow was a right-hand opening batsman and right-arm medium pace bowler. Wearing spectacles while playing, Barlow was recognisable on and off the field. He was an athlete who put a lot of emphasis on fitness. Born in Pretoria, Transvaal, South Africa, Barlow played first-class cricket for Transvaal from 1959–60 to 1967–68 before moving to Western Province for the seasons from 1968–69 to 1980–81.

Barlow played in all the 30 Tests from his debut till South Africa's isolation from international cricket. In 1963-64, he became the first South African to score a hundred against Australia while playing his first Test against them, he ended that series with 603 runs which also included a double hundred at Adelaide.

He also played in the World Series Cricket which Kerry Packer introduced to the cricketing world. It gave many South African players a chance to showcase their skills which they were not able to do due to anti-apartheid protests. Barlow was made the captain of the WSC Cavaliers side which played in many non-Super Test matches.

After retiring from all forms of cricket, Barlow was active in raising his voice against apartheid policy. He also took up the post of Director of South African Sports Office in London. Barlow played a major role in getting Bangladesh Test status as he was their coach in 1999.

In 2000, Barlow suffered a stroke and was on wheelchair since then. He battled long and hard before passing away in 2005 due to brain haemorrhage.


by Akshay Maanay
As of May 2014