London, July 2 (IANS) The West Indies cricket team in England observed a minute’s silence in memory of the legendary Everton Weekes who passed away at the Christ Church home on Wednesday in Barbados. He was 95.
“West Indies observed a minute’s silence in memory of Sir Everton Weekes. They will also wear black armbands today to honour his life,” the ICC said in a tweet on their official Twitter handle.
England’s first Test against West Indies will start on July 8 in Southampton. This is the first cricket series to be played since the sport went into a freeze mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In his career, Everton played 48 Test matches and made 4455 runs at an average of 58.61 per innings. This included a world record five consecutive centuries in 1948 – scores of 141 against England in Jamaica, followed by scores of 128, 194, 162 and 101 in India. In his next innings, he made 90.
Weekes was the last of the famous ‘Three Ws’ a trio of West Indian batting legends whose lives became irrevocably entwined. The other two being Frank Worrell and Clyde Walcott.
Former India cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kumble led the way in paying tribute to Weekes.
Tendulkar took to Twitter to pay his respects to Weekes and wrote: “Sir Everton Weekes is no more! Had heard many stories about his batting along with the other legendary 2Ws. You will be missed Sir. Rest in peace.”
Kumble wrote on his Twitter handle: “Saddened to hear 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.”
Former India batsman V.V.S Laxman tweeted: “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.”
–IANS
dm/bbh