Sir Everton Weekes, the last member of the legendary Three Ws, died at the age of 95.
Along with Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Frank Worrell, Weekes formed a formidable batting unit on the West Indies team. All three were born within a couple of miles of each other, rumored to have been delivered by the same midwife, within 18 months in Barbados, between August 1924 and January 1926, and all made their Test debut within three weeks in early 1948.
While everyone enjoyed outstanding runs: Worrell became the West Indies first long-term black captain and then was a senator in Jamaica, while Walcott averaged 56.68 on test cricket and then became the first non-white president. of the ICC. Weekes was possibly the best hitter of the three.
At one stage, between March and December 1948, he recorded five centuries of successive evidence and insisted on it, but due to an arbitration error when he was awarded the exhaustion of 90, there would have been six. He passed 1,000 test runs in 12 innings, one fewer than Sir Don Bradman; No one has reached the milestone faster than Weekes, and he finished with an excellent test average of 58.61. Only nine men who have batted a minimum of 20 times in the Cricket Test have a higher average. Richie Benaud later stated that players who had seen them both hit close-up suggested that Weekes was closer in style and class to Bradman.
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Weekes was born into extreme poverty. His family lived in a log cabin, and his father was forced to spend more than a decade in Trinidad sending money to the family. Everton dropped out of school at age 14 and was banned from playing for his local club, Pickwick, as only white players were allowed at the time.
However, such was his sporting ability and he was so dedicated to his trade, that people soon began to notice the stocky lad with his swift feet. Named after Everton FC, Weekes was a good enough footballer to represent Barbados in the sport. But cricket was his true love. He volunteered to help out as a substitute fielder and as a ground staff member at the Kensington Oval, and as a consequence was able to see some of the world’s best players up close. He also joined the Barbados Defense Force and, as a result, was eligible to play a high level of club cricket.
He made his first class debut at age 19 and his Test debut at age 22. His first century of Test did not last until his fourth game, but it was the start of an incredible career that led him to record six centuries, including five in succession and five half centuries in his next 13 innings. Only once was he fired for less than 48.
He was named one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year in 1951 after helping defeat England in the previous summer’s test series, a tour he toured for seven centuries, five of them double centuries and one triple . In 1952-53 he averaged 102.28 in the series against India and was equally dominant in New Zealand in 1955-56 in a Test series in which he made three successive centuries and averaged 83.60.
A persistent injury to his thigh forced him to retire relatively prematurely (he was 33 years old and had played 48 tests), but first he enjoyed a successful secondary career as a coach (he was, among other things, coach of the Canadian team that played in the Cup 1979 World Cup). ) and, since 1994, as referee of the ICC match. He also represented Barbados at Bridge and became a justice of the peace. His son David Murray played for the West Indies and is remembered as an outstanding wicketkeeper.
Despite his status as a game legend, Sir Everton remained a humble and approachable figure. His home number remained in the Barbados phone book and could be seen almost every day, up to the age of 90, swimming in Miami Beach, near Oistins. In 1995 he became the last of the three Ws to receive a knighthood.
Although there is no confirmation of the family’s wishes at this stage, his final resting place could reunite him with Worrell and Walcott, both buried in The Three Ws Oval on the outskirts of Bridgetown in Barbados. A plot in the middle of the bougainvillea has been vacated for Weekes in case he wants to join them.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of an icon,” said Cricket West Indies in a tribute. “A legend, our hero. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and many fans around the world.”
“I would like to add my public recognition of Sir Everton’s amazing legacy,” said Ricky Skerritt, CWI President. “He was both a great cricketer and a cricket human being. He was the last of the famous Three Ws to go beyond. He was the most amazing man. And one of the most humble, decent and wonderful people ever have existed they have met. “
England Cricket, who took on the West Indies in next week’s first Test at the Ageas Bowl, added his own tribute in a Twitter post: “A truly great game. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of Sir Everton Weekes. ” “
West Indies head coach Phil Simmons added: “The West Indies have not only lost one of their best cricketers, we have also lost a true gentleman. My condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends. RIPSirEverton. “
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