Aussies recount terrifying 1994 South Africa tour gun threats
Former Australian fast bowlers Paul Reiffel and Merv Hughes recall a terrifying tour game in Bloemfontein in 1994 involving gun threats and hostile crowds.
Refusing a captain's order usually guarantees a swift end to a cricketer's career, but former Australian fast bowler Paul Reiffel was ready to take that risk in South Africa. Standing up to skipper Mark Taylor became his only option after being positioned at fine leg in Bloemfontein while listening to menacing threats from a fan.
The Victorian quick, now one of the world's elite umpires, was rattled during a 1994 tour game against Orange Free State. Hansie Cronje was dominating the crease with a double century as Australia prepared for the Test series, but the real danger for Reiffel lurked just beyond the boundary rope.
Returning from a break, Reiffel found himself confronted by a spectator pointing a weapon at him. According to teammate Merv Hughes, the bowler rushed back during a break looking completely white, recounting how the fan pointed what he believed was a .44 Magnum and pulled the trigger, leaving only a clicking sound.
The intimidating voice echoed in the Victorian's mind as the fan taunted him with death threats while others laughed. Refusing to return to the fielding position, Taylor turned to Hughes, who bluntly rejected the captain's directive, leaving the fine leg area unmanned for the remainder of the match.
Reflecting on the tour, players noted that South Africa's distinct gun culture and hostile crowds made touring the country a daunting task. While touring sides faced brutal heckling at venues like The Bullring in Johannesburg, players acknowledged that engaging with fans and signing autographs could eventually win them over.