CRICKET WEST INDIES

West Indies Cricket Board President, Dr Julian Hunte has congratulated fast bowling legends Courtney Walsh and Joel Garner on their induction into the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame on Wednesday. The two giants of the game, who were members of the all-conquering West Indies Team under Clive Lloyd, received their Hall of Fame caps at the ICC Annual Awards ceremony in Bengaluru, India.

Dr Hunte spoke on behalf of the Directors of the WICB and supporters of West Indies cricket, and hailed the pair as “true ambassadors for West Indies cricket” and “worthy recipients of such a great honour”.

In a message on Wednesday, Dr Hunte stated: “On behalf of the WICB I am consumed with pride in congratulating Courtney and Joel on being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. They are both men of immense stature, but monumental in terms of what each of them achieved for West Indies cricket and the people of the Caribbean. During their playing careers they inspired countless fans across the globe as they gave their all for West Indies cricket. They demonstrated an absolute commitment to their people and this most fitting recognition is not only well-deserved but further commemorates the record of their truly outstanding careers and their respected place in the annals of our great game.”

Dr Hunte added: “Thank you, Joel and thank you Courtney for all you have contributed to West Indies cricket both on and off the field. The WICB and all those who hold West Indies cricket in their hearts salute you for your excellent service on the fields of play. You are both true ambassadors of West Indies cricket.”

Walsh, who turns 48 on October 30, represented the West Indies in 132 Tests and 205 ODIs and claimed a West Indies record 519 Test scalps and 227 ODI wickets. He managed an incredible 22 five-fers in his career and five 10-wicket matches, while his Test economy rate was 2.53 and 3.83 in ODIs. Until 2004, Walsh was the only man to take 500 wickets in Test cricket and he is the only pace bowler to have bowled more than 5000 overs, in Test cricket.

The 57-year-old Garner was a towering fast bowler who played 58 Test matches claiming 259 Test wickets and 98 ODIs taking 146 wickets. The Barbadian was part of the 1979 World Cup-winning West Indies side and his 5 for 39 in the final against England remains the best performance of a bowler in a World Cup final. Garner is a director of the WICB and President of the Barbados Cricket Association.

West Indians legends previously inducted in the ICC Hall of Fame are: Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Vivian Richards, George Headley, Clive Lloyd, Rohan Kanhai, Lance Gibbs, Michael Holding, Gordon Greenidge, Andy Roberts and Malcolm Marshall.