debut: 2/16/17
35,236 runs
Vaneisa Baksh Vaneisa Baksh launches bio of Sir Frank Worrell: Son of Grace
HE was described as an enigma, a complex man, a cricket legend, a mentor to many generations and a man of grace – the son of Grace.
Born on August 1, 1924 in St Michael, Barbados, Worrell died at 42 as he succumbed to leukemia. His impact was felt tremendously, and his passing sent shock waves throughout the cricket world for many people who had grown accustomed to his poise and the diplomacy he displayed both on and off the field. In 1964, Worrell received knighthood for his contributions to cricket, mere months after playing his last Test match in August 1963 at 39. After his death in March 1967, a memorial was held in his honor at Westminster Abbey in the United Kingdom.
Titled Son of Grace, Baksh's biography, which was dedicated to Prof Arnold Rampersad and Jackie Hinkson, gives insight into the upbringing and circumstances which would have shaped the character of the man who led the Caribbean team in a jaw-dropping tied Test match against Australia at the historic Gabba, Brisbane, in December 1960 – one of only two tied Test matches in cricket history. The spectacular Test finish led to the creation of the Frank Worrell Trophy, which is awarded to the winner of Test series between West Indies and Australia.
Perhaps, Baksh's final words in the biography sums it up best: "Worrell was a complex individual. He was rarely understood in all his manifestations. But ultimately, he shone as an exemplary figure: a man of generosity and grace. It is tempting to speculate about the role he would have played in West Indian development had his life continued. It can only remain in the realm of wistfulness – that shadowy place of dreams unmade."
HE was described as an enigma, a complex man, a cricket legend, a mentor to many generations and a man of grace – the son of Grace.
Born on August 1, 1924 in St Michael, Barbados, Worrell died at 42 as he succumbed to leukemia. His impact was felt tremendously, and his passing sent shock waves throughout the cricket world for many people who had grown accustomed to his poise and the diplomacy he displayed both on and off the field. In 1964, Worrell received knighthood for his contributions to cricket, mere months after playing his last Test match in August 1963 at 39. After his death in March 1967, a memorial was held in his honor at Westminster Abbey in the United Kingdom.
Titled Son of Grace, Baksh's biography, which was dedicated to Prof Arnold Rampersad and Jackie Hinkson, gives insight into the upbringing and circumstances which would have shaped the character of the man who led the Caribbean team in a jaw-dropping tied Test match against Australia at the historic Gabba, Brisbane, in December 1960 – one of only two tied Test matches in cricket history. The spectacular Test finish led to the creation of the Frank Worrell Trophy, which is awarded to the winner of Test series between West Indies and Australia.
Perhaps, Baksh's final words in the biography sums it up best: "Worrell was a complex individual. He was rarely understood in all his manifestations. But ultimately, he shone as an exemplary figure: a man of generosity and grace. It is tempting to speculate about the role he would have played in West Indian development had his life continued. It can only remain in the realm of wistfulness – that shadowy place of dreams unmade."
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