The Hindu : Sport : Walcott passes away

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Sunday, Aug 27, 2006

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Walcott passes away

Clyde Walcott.

BRIDEGTOWN (Barbados): Clyde Walcott, a West Indies cricket legend and the first non-British Chairman of the International Cricket Council, died on Saturday at a hospital, his wife Muriel said. He was 80.

The cause of death was not immediately known.

Walcott, a Barbados native known for his powerful batting, was part of the famed West Indies ``Three Ws'' formation in the 1950s, along with Frank Worrell and Everton Weekes.

The trio featured in the emergence of the West Indies as a force in the game after World War II.

``His contribution to the game all over the globe, and to Barbados and the West Indies, were among the best in the history of the game. It was invaluable,'' said Rudi Webster, a former manager of the West Indies team. ``He was one of our icons. He was a truly great man.''

Walcott was a strong right-handed batsman, steady medium-pace bowler and an occasional wicketkeeper. He scored 3,788 runs, with 15 centuries, in 44 Tests for the West Indies from 1948-60. His batting average of 56.68 is 15th in the all-time rankings.

``Clyde had a powerful physique and his batting was based on power and strength,'' Weekes said. ``He hit the ball harder than any of us.''

Walcott kept wicket in 15 Tests before back problems forced him to give it up. — AP

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