On This Day in 1925: West Indies Cricket Legend Everton Weekes Was Born

On February 26, 1925, Everton Weekes was born at Saint Michael, Barbados. He was named by his father after the English football team Everton. He was born in a humble family, and his father had no choice but to leave Barbados and live in Trinidad for work when his son was just eight years old.

Weekes lived with his mother, sister, and an aunt. He studied hotel management and had a keen interest in sports. He represented Barbados in football. He would help the groundsmen at Kensington Oval in Barbados and often stepped in as a substitute fielder in exchange for free entry to cricket. This allowed him to watch top cricketers from close quarters. 

In 1943, he enlisted in the Barbados Regiment and served as a lance corporal until being discharged in 1947. He never saw active service, but because of his time in the military, he was eligible to play cricket for Garrison Sports Club in the higher standard Barbados Cricket Association. Apart from this, Weekes also played for Westshire Cricket Club in the Barbados Cricket League.

Weekes made his first-class debut on February 24, 1945, when he was 19 years and 364 days old. He represented Barbados against Trinidad and Tobago at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain. Three years later, he made his Test debut against England. Compatriots Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Frank Worrell also debuted against England in the same year. They were famous by the name “Three Ws”.

Weekes played 48 Tests during his illustrious career and scored 4455 runs at a staggering average of 58.62. He smashed 19 fifties and 15 centuries during his Test career. He retired from international cricket in March 1958 after facing Pakistan at the Queen’s Park Oval. Weekes scored 51 in the first innings and 9 in the second.

Talking about his batting style, Weekes had plenty of shots in his arsenal, both on the off and the on side. He was considered one of the hardest hitters of his era. He had great hand-eye coordination and played the most formidable bowlers in world cricket with utmost ease. Many compared him to Don Bradman, as the Australian batter would also keep the scoreboard moving and dancing down the track to slower bowlers.

After his retirement, Weekes played exhibition matches and went on to serve as an executive of the Barbados Cricket Association for several years. Barbadian players like Conrad Hunte and Seymour Nurse were heavily influenced by him. He also coached the Canadian team at the 1979 World Cup. Later, he became a match referee, officiating in four Tests and three ODIs.

Weekes passed away on July 1, 2020, at the age of 95 in Christ Church following a heart attack. He was the first West Indian to pass 3000 Test runs, reaching the landmark in 31 Test matches. Weekes also became the first from the Caribbean to score 4000 Test runs in 42 Tests.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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