Everton Weekes, born on February 26, 1925, in Pickwick Gap, Barbados, was a legendary cricketer from the West Indies who left an indelible mark on the sport during the mid-20th century. Renowned for his elegant batting technique, impeccable timing, and prolific run-scoring ability, Weekes was one of the famed “Three Ws” along with Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Frank Worrell, who dominated international cricket in the 1940s and 1950s.
Childhood:
Everton Weekes grew up in a modest family in Pickwick Gap, Barbados. From a young age, he displayed a natural talent for cricket and began playing the sport in local parks and fields with makeshift equipment. Weekes’ love for cricket was nurtured by his father, who recognized his son’s potential and encouraged him to pursue his passion.
Young Age:
As a teenager, Everton Weekes represented Barbados in school and club cricket competitions. His exceptional batting skills and all-round abilities quickly caught the attention of selectors, and he was soon selected to play for the Barbados cricket team at a young age. Weekes’ performances in domestic cricket earned him recognition as one of the most promising talents in the Caribbean.
Professional Life:
Everton Weekes made his debut in first-class cricket for Barbados in 1945. He made an immediate impact, showcasing his elegant batting technique and solid technique against both pace and spin. Weekes’ performances in domestic cricket earned him a call-up to the West Indies national team in 1948.
Weekes made his international debut for the West Indies in a Test match against England in 1948. He soon established himself as one of the premier batsmen in the team, known for his graceful stroke play and ability to score runs consistently. Weekes formed a formidable batting partnership with other West Indian greats such as Clyde Walcott and Frank Worrell, known as the “Three Ws.”
One of Weekes’ most memorable performances came during the West Indies tour of India in 1948-49, where he scored five consecutive centuries in his first five Test matches, a record that still stands today. His exceptional batting contributions played a pivotal role in the West Indies’ series victory in India, marking a significant milestone in Caribbean cricket history.
Throughout his international career, Everton Weekes represented the West Indies in 48 Test matches, scoring over 4,000 runs at an impressive average of over 58. He recorded 15 centuries and 19 half-centuries in Test cricket, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest batsmen of his era.
After retiring from international cricket, Everton Weekes remained involved in the sport as a coach and administrator. He served as a mentor to young cricketers and played a key role in promoting the development of cricket in the Caribbean.
In recognition of his contributions to cricket, Everton Weekes was knighted in 1995, becoming Sir Everton Weekes. He passed away on July 1, 2020, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the finest cricketers to have represented the West Indies.
