Alf Valentine Passes Away

Former Jamaica and West Indies left-arm spinner Alf Valentine has passed away just two weeks after his 74th birthday, Jamaica's TVJ reported last Tuesday evening.

Valentine, the slim Jamaican immortalised in the famous calypso "those little pals of mine..." was, along with Sonny Ramadhin, one half of the greatest spin bowling duo in the history of West Indies cricket.

He came of age during the 1950 West Indies tour of England, picking up 33 wickets in just four Tests. The next year, in Australia, he confirmed his status as an elite spin bowler of the time, grabbing 24 wickets in a Test series against Australia.

By the time his Test career came to an end against India at home in 1962, he had racked up 139 wickets in just 36 Tests at an average of 30.32.

Valentine and Ramadhin were the stars of the infamous 326-run win over England at Lord's in 1950. Both playing their second Tests, Valentine took 7-127 in the match (his spell included 75 maidens, a Test record).