Headley James Keith was born on 25 October 1927, son of the Mayor of Dundee, Mr Jimmy Keith. Mr Keith was Managing Director of the company that his uncle had helped found in 1896, Johnston & Keith, builders’ merchants and building contractors. Headley played cricket during his time at the High School and progressed as a left-hand batsman, strong off the back foot, to be an important component of the powerful Natal batting line-up of the 1950s. He was called up to join the national side for its tours to Australia and England, and in 1952-53 became the first South African to score two centuries in a match in Australia, against Victoria at the MCG. In that team were such greats as Hugh Tayfield, Jackie McGlew and Roy MacLean.

Headley made his Test debut Melbourne Test, scoring 40 not out to seal victory and square the series. Set 295 to win on a worn wicket, South Africa started with Endean making 70 and Watkins 50, and the match was won in a fifth wicket partnership of 106 in 80 minutes between Keith and McLean, who hit an unbeaten 76. No wonder a half-day was given to the school – due to the efforts of “one of our own” the series was drawn 2–2, the first time a rubber between the two sides had not been won by Australia! In England in 1955, Headley Keith made 57 at the Lord’s Test and 73 at Leeds two Tests later. Commentators say that “he was watchful rather than dominant” at this level; in contrast to his usefulness playing for Natal in the Currie Cup. Headley Keith died on 16 November 1997 aged 70 at his home in Pennington on the South Coast.