Staff Writer - Carey Christian
Frank Mortimer Maglinne Worrell, also known by buy lasix online overnight delivery uk his nickname Tae, became the first captain of the West Indies cricket team to be of African descent. This was a massive achievement for a team which for over thirty years had white captains, the consequence of a racist society. But who is this great man, who was even named Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World in 1950? Who was this great human being who was referred to as “The quiet genius behind West Indies’ first series victory in England”? Frank Worrell was born in Bank Hall, St Michael’s in the sunny island of Barbados on the 1st August, 1924. He was educated at Combermere School, one of Barbados’ premiere schools and made the Barbados national team in 1941. Worrell proved his magnificence with both bat and ball. Eventually in 1947 he would make his debut for the West Indies against England and be remembered in history as one of the greatest assets to the sport. Sir Frank was seen as a master of stroke play and skill, especially as a solid right handed batman. In the words of Sir Frank’s biographer, Ernest Eythe, in his text Frank Worrell: The Career of a Great Cricketer: ‘Worrell was tall, lithe and graceful, he stroked the ball persuasively and with perfect timing’. He was also a very handy seam bowler who could break strong batting partnerships. After his debut, he took up residency in Lancashire, playing first-class cricket in the local league with Radcliff Cricket Club. While there Worrell engaged in academic pursuits at the University of Manchester, graduating with a degree in administration. Under the captaincy of John Goddard the West Indies were able to win their first Test series against England in 1950, winning 3-1. Worrell starred in that series with the bat, making his highest Test score of 261 against England at Trent Bridge, and was given the title of Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1951. Following a successful campaign led by the intellectual C. L. R. James, Worrell became the first cricketer of African origin to
captain the West Indies cricket team for an entire series, thus creating a new era in West Indie’s cricket. He led the side in the tour to Australia in 1960–61. Both Worrell and his opposing captain, Richie Benaud, encouraged their teams to play attacking cricket. The first Test of the series ended in a dramatic tie. Although West Indies eventually lost the series 2-1, they were seen as a formidable team with both Team and captain receiving praise from then Aussie captain Benaud ‘It was because of Frank they never collapsed when the tension mounted, as had been their wont in the past. They did much for our cricket in Australia.’ Worrell moved to Jamaica in 1947, playing cricket for the national team. He retired from cricket in1963, leaving a lasting legacy.
