The last 40 years, 1968-2008, have seen a swing in which South Africa have gone from the world's best to outcasts and back.

In 1968 Basil D'Oliveira, a black South African picked by his adopted country (England) to tour South Africa, and then excluded on the grounds of race, set a chain of events in motion which is the backdrop to a mercurial Proteas' revival.

The swings and roundabouts really got going when Australia toured South Africa in 1969-70, with the Springboks enjoying a 4-0 whitewash. The fourth Test proved to be the last official one played by the Proteeas for 22 years.

'If the Proteas gain No. 1 status at the end of 2008, it will not only be a triumph for the country but also epitomise the voyage humanity has made over the last 40 years'


Apartheid was the reason for their isolation and on their return to the Test scene in 1992, against India, South Africa showed just how their absence had affected performance. The once-mighty cricket nation were reduced to 'also-rans' with ignominy and insecurity to overcome when re-entering the international fray.

But 2008 marks a remarkable 40-year swing. South Africa are back and ready to reclaim their historical position. If they gain No.1 status at the end of 2008, it will not only be a triumph for the country but also epitomise the voyage humanity has made over the last 40 years.

The last 40 years may have dented the South Africans' chances of  continuously being up there with the best in world cricket, but the current team have the chance to reclaim pole position. And by the end of the year, this could very well happen.

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