The legendary West Indies’ batsman Sir Everton Weekes died at the age of 95 at his home in Barbados on Wednesday. Weekes, who was born on 26 February 1925, made his international debut in 1948 against England. He played 48 Tests for the Caribbean nation, scoring 4,455 runs at a splendid average of 58 plus.
Weekes was a part of the legendary trio featuring himself, Clyde Walcott and Frank Worrell. They formed the infamous ‘The Three Ws’ which made the West Indies team a top-notch Test side.
In total, Weekes smashed 15 centuries in his 10-year test career. He still remains the only player to score hundreds in five consecutive Test innings in 1948 – score of 141 against England in Jamaica, followed by knocks of 128, 194, 162 and 101 in India. In his next innings, he reached 90 but got run out.
The cricket fraternity paid tribute to the legendary player on microblogging website – Twitter. The official Twitter handle of West Indies cricket wrote: “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of an icon. A legend, our hero, Everton Weekes. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and many fans around the world. May he rest in peace.”
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. May he rest in peace. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/RnwoJkhjPd
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 1, 2020
All-time great Indian spinner Bishan Singh Bedi said that the class of Weekes could be understood with the simple fact that he only scored one six in his career. Bedi said that playing along the ground was the principle of Weekes.
Sir Everton Weekes was a murderer of bowlers globally..but the Crkt World doesn’t know he hit only one six in his life..’play along the ground’ was maxim then!Sir Learie Constantine opined..’hit it so far that no fielder comes close’..Gr8 Caribbean Crkt philosophy-Entertaining!!
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) July 2, 2020
“I had the great privilege of spending time in the company of Sir Everton on several occasions over the past two decades. Never once did I leave his presence without feeling a sense of warmth, cheerfulness & having learnt something rich & endearing each time. A truly great human being,” said Ian Bishop.
I had the great priviledge of spending time in the company of Sir Everton on several occasions over the past 2 decades. Never once did I leave his presence without feeling a sense warmth, cheerfulness & having learnt something rich & endearing each time. A truly great human being
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) July 1, 2020
“Everyone at MCC and Lord’s are saddened at the news of Sir Everton Weekes’ passing. He will forever be remembered as one of @windiescricket’s finest cricketers. Our thoughts are with his family and friends,” tweeted the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
Everyone at MCC and Lord’s are saddened at the news of Sir Everton Weekes’ passing.
He will forever be remembered as one of @windiescricket’s finest cricketers.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends. https://t.co/UJGMN5EGRQ
— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) July 1, 2020
Here are some other tweets:
Very sad to learn of the passing of Sir Everton Weekes. A humble man who wore his greatness lightly
— Mike atherton (@Athersmike) July 1, 2020
Sir Everton Weekes some cricketer, some man. Goodbye. Should you see Malcolm Marshall on your travels, do give him a hug from us all…
— Mark Nicholas (@mcjnicholas) July 1, 2020
Heard about the passing away of West Indies legend , Sir Everton Weekes. He was one of the greats of the game My condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/eQQo3QXN7F
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) July 1, 2020
Saddened to hear about the passing of WI legend Sir. Everton Weekes. Had met him during the ICC conference in Barbados. He remembered a conversation we had during his time as match referee. Condolences to his family and friends. 🙏🏽
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) July 2, 2020
The great Everton Weekes bids goodbye at 95. Was a score some bowling sides would have been happy to concede when he was peeling off centuries. The three Ws will now rest together, adjacent to each other. They enriched cricket.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 2, 2020
Saddened by passing away of Sir Everton Weekes who was the last of the famous 'Three Ws'. A true humble great of the game. My thoughts and prayers are with Sir Weekes’ family and fans in this hour of grief. RIP Sir 🙏 – @windiescricket pic.twitter.com/cvRhdJ1yiu
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) July 2, 2020
Sir Everton Weekes, wow! What a legend!
Remember my father being awestruck by the man & his batting abilities. Chappelli too used to frequently gush over his talents. Thank you Sir, for your immense contribution to our game.🙏#RIPWeekes— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) July 2, 2020
We lost a legend today. Sir Everton Weekes is part of @windiescricket great history and legacy. He also was a great human being. Condolences goes out to his family. May he Rest In Peace ✌🏾 🙏🏾
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) July 1, 2020
RIP Sir Everton 😢
— Carlos Brathwaite (@CRBrathwaite26) July 1, 2020
