Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) said it has learnt with great sadness of the passing of John Harcourt du Preez, affectionately known as Jackie, in Harare on Wednesday, 8 April 2020. He was 77.
A former national team leg-spinner who also played two Tests for South Africa during Zimbabwe’s pre-independence years, du Preez succumbed to cancer.
He enjoyed a career that spanned nearly two decades, playing 120 first-class matches in which he scored 4 063 runs at 23.76 and took 296 wickets at 31.07. He was also a brilliant fielder, taking 80 catches.
In later years, du Preez served for a while on the ZC national selection panel, while he was also involved in coaching and development work.
“We, as the ZC Board, Management, Staff and Players, would like to pass our heartfelt condolences to the du Preez family, his friends and the cricket community on the loss of one of the finest all-round cricketers in the history of Zimbabwean cricket.
“May his soul rest in peace,” ZC said in a statement.
