Sir Everton passes on at 95

Legendary West Indies and Barbados cricket batsman, Sir Everton Weekes, has died at the age of 95.

Sir Everton died quietly at his home, Chancery Lane, Christ Church, in the early afternoon.

Weekes, who scored 4,455 runs at an average of 58.61 in 48 Tests, is the only man to make five consecutive centuries in Test innings, which occurred between March and December 1948.

He was a member of the formidable ‘3Ws’, which included fellow West Indies greats Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Frank Worrell.

Sir Everton played 48 Test matches between January 21, 1948 and March 31, 1958. He passed 1,000 Test runs in 12 innings to eventually finish with a tally of 4,455 runs including 15 centuries and 19 half-centuries, at an average of 58.61. His highest score was 207. He also took 49 catches.

His average of 58.61 is second only to the great George Headley’s 60.83 in the West Indies batting stars, seventh on the overall list.

In 152 first-class matches, Weekes amassed 12,010 runs with 36 hundreds and 54 half-centuries including a highest of 304 (avg: 55.34).

He was 32 when he retired from Test cricket, but continued leading Barbados for another six years, and in 1965, aged 40, he also retired from First Class cricket.

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of an icon, a legend, our hero – Sir Everton Weekes. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and many fans around the world,” said Cricket West Indies (CWI).

The West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) extended their condolences and said: “We salute a great West Indies icon. Sir Everton made an invaluable contribution to the sport, his country and the region. We were blessed to have him among us.”

Ricky Skerritt, the president of CWI, stated: “He had an amazing legacy as a great cricketer and great human being. He was one of the most humble and decent persons you would have ever met. I want to take this opportunity to publicly express our deepest sympathy to the family of this remarkable gentleman, who passed away earlier today.”

England Cricket, who take on West Indies in next week’s first Test at the Ageas Bowl, added its own tribute in a Twitter post: “A true great of the game. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Sir Everton Weekes’ family and friends.”

West Indies’ head coach, Phil Simmons, added: “West Indies has not only lost one of its greatest cricketers, we have lost a true gentleman. My condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends. RIPSirEverton.”

He was the father of three sons and one daughter – one of whom, David Murray, went on to play 19 Tests as West Indies’ wicketkeeper between 1978 and 1982.

After retirement, he became a West Indies board member, a coach, a selector and team manager, and an ICC match referee. He also served on several

government statutory boards. (CG)