A Barbadian cricketing legend who played for the West Indies and later became a respected referee, known for his impressive batting skills and contributions to the sport.
Sir Everton Weekes is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, known for his phenomenal record of scoring five consecutive Test centuries, a feat that still remains unbeaten. Alongside Frank Worrell and Clyde Walcott, he formed the iconic trio of The Three Ws, a legendary group that dominated West Indies cricket in the 1940s and 1950s.
Born on February 26, 1925, in a wooden shack on Pickwick Gap in Westbury, Saint Michael, Barbados, Weekes was named after the English football team Everton by his father. His family was poor, and his father was forced to leave for the Trinidad oilfields when Weekes was just eight, leaving his mother and an aunt to raise him.
Despite the challenges, Weekes found solace in sports, particularly cricket and football. He attended St Leonards Boys School, where he never passed an exam, but instead focused on developing his athletic skills. As a boy, he assisted the groundsmen at Kensington Oval and often acted as a substitute fielder in exchange for free entry to matches.
Weekes made his Test debut for the West Indies in 1948 and went on to play 48 Test matches, scoring 4,455 runs at an average of 58.61. His incredible record of five consecutive Test centuries remains one of the most impressive achievements in cricket history.
In addition to his batting prowess, Weekes was also an occasional wicketkeeper and played first-class cricket until 1964, surpassing 12,000 first-class runs in his final innings. After retiring from playing, he went on to coach the Canadian team at the 1979 Cricket World Cup and worked as a commentator and international match referee.
Sir Everton Weekes was knighted in 1995 for his services to cricket, and his numerous awards and honors include the Order of the British Empire (OBE), the Gold Crown of Merit (GCM), and the Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG).
Throughout his career, Weekes was known for his humility and dedication to the sport. He believed that cricket was not just a game, but a way of life that taught valuable lessons about discipline, hard work, and teamwork.
Sir Everton Weekes' legacy extends far beyond his impressive cricketing statistics. He inspired generations of cricketers, and his contributions to the sport have been recognized and celebrated worldwide.
As a pioneer for West Indies cricket, Weekes paved the way for future generations of Caribbean cricketers, and his name remains synonymous with excellence and sporting greatness.
Sir Everton Weekes may be gone, but his incredible achievements and enduring legacy continue to inspire and captivate cricket fans around the world.
Born in 1924
A trailblazing West Indian cricketer who captained the team to historic victories, known for his exceptional batting and leadership skills.
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A trailblazing fast bowler and politician who played for the West Indies cricket team and later became a senator in Barbados, known for his impressive cricketing career and advocacy for social justice.
