New Zealand, South Africa to fight it out for Tangiwai Shield

South Africa’s upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand that starts on February 4 will be played for the Tangiwai Shield, the newly inaugurated trophy. The trophy will serve as a commemoration of the 1953 tragic Tangiwai train disaster, which saw 151 people lose their lives, including the fiance of former New Zealand pacer Bob Blair. 

It is one of the worst rail disasters in New Zealand, coinciding with the second Test between New Zealand and South Africa at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. Blair was part of that clash and remained behind at the hotel when the disaster happened. With no overseas air passage available, the voyage by sea took 28 days, which would have been far too long for Blair to return for his fiancee’s funeral. 

While it was announced that the pacer wouldn’t take the field in that clash, he returned to play a heroic role, putting on a 33-run partnership with Bert Sutcliffe to take New Zealand to 187. 

"The background to this Test match is one of the most sad and moving and heart-breaking stories imaginable," NZC chief executive Scott Weenink said. 

"It's also an uplifting story of incredible courage and resilience, and in terms of the South African team and public, great compassion and empathy. I'm delighted to see this very important part of cricket history properly recognised and acknowledged."

David Ngawati (Ngati Hine) has carved the shield, which is made from New Zealand timber puriri, including an inlaid mere made from pounamu, a stone specifically sourced from the Tangiwai region. 

"On behalf of CSA, I send my best wishes to everyone who was touched by this tragedy, and to both teams contesting the inaugural trophy. It's important that the teams of today and tomorrow know where they came from, and I'm sure the Tangiwai Shield will do much to assist with that,” CSA chief executive Pholetsi Moseki said.