Omar Henry was unlucky in that the bulk of his career coincided with the dying years of apartheid and, so he did not get his chance on the international stage until he was 40 (he did represent South Africa against rebel touring sides in the 1980s). He was past his best when he played his three Tests and three ODIs, but gave glimpses of why he had taken 434 first-class wickets at 24.97 with his slow left-armers. The first non-white to play for South Africa, the wiry Henry also did much to break down the colour barrier in sport in the 1970s and 1980s. After retiring he went into commentary and coaching, eventually becoming South Africa's chairman of selectors.
Martin Williamson

• Made in Ireland - and England's overseas World Cup six (Sep 10, 2006)
  
• Moles on four-man shortlist for Scotland job (Dec 17, 2004)
  
• Other side of the rainbow (Dec 16, 2004)
  
• Omar Henry replaced as chairman of selectors (Dec 7, 2004)
  
• Upwards on the learning curve (Dec 3, 2004)
  

View the full list of 17 related articles

Jun 10, 2002 Omar Henry, the RSA Convenor of Selectors © Western Province Cricket Association

Jun 10, 2002 Omar Henry, Convenor of Selectors, Gerald Majola, Chief Executive UCBSA and new coach Eric Simons © Western Province Cricket Association

Jan 19, 1999 Sandeep Patil handing over the bat of friendship to O Henry SA captain © Cricinfo Ltd

View the full list of 4 related images