2006 Nominee: Gordon Greenidge
(The Sticky Wicket West Indies Hall of Fame in Antigua launches its voting process to select two more persons to join the select group of legends to be named among "Cricket's Finest". Voting ends November 30, 2006).
One of the men nominated for a place in the Sticky Wicket Hall of Fame is Gordon Greenidge – one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the game, who was once called "the most complete right-hander" ever to play cricket.
In his outstanding career he epitomized what it meant to be a true professional. He was always on time, neat, and well attired. He fully knew his responsibility to the team and to the people he represented. He set the standard for many of his teammates and those who came after to follow. He represented the West Indies between 1974 and 1991 and was part of the legendary team, which ruled the world.
orn in the northern section of Barbados, he left the island to live in England as a boy. There, he signed up to play for Hampshire in the English County Championship and stayed with the club for close to 25 years. When the time came to make the move to the international stage his choice was clear.
He was going with the West Indies -- where his heart, mind, body and soul -- always were.
A well-built man, he had a solid defense and assured technique. On the attack, he was severe on anything loose and drove fear into the hearts of opposing captains and bowlers. He was at home off the back-foot with a thunderous square-cut and power hook and cut. He was also was ruthless against spin bowlers.
His career record told the amazing story. In 108 Test matches he made 7558 runs at an average of 44.72 per innings, with 19 centuries. His highest score of 226 came against Australia on his home ground in 1991 on the eve of his 40th birthday. It was a champion innings after he had been written off.
He also had three other scores of over 200 -- none better that his destructive 214 not out at Lord’s in 1984 as he led the West Indies to one of the greatest wins in history. His record in One-Day Internationals was also brilliant. He made 5134 runs in 128 matches at 45 runs per innings. In all first-class cricket he made a whopping 523 appearances, amassing 37354 runs, including 92 centuries from his broad bat.
Together with Desmond Haynes they formed the most prolific opening combination in West Indies history and one of the best in the game's history. Today, at age 55, Greenidge lives in Barbados and continues to make his contribution to the game. He was coach of the Bangladesh team in the 1990s, but returned home to make a contribution to his people.
He is a member of the board of directors for the Stanford 20/20 Cricket Project and is also chairman of selectors for the West Indies Cricket Board. He said he would always be a servant of the game. "Wherever and whenever anyone wishes to assist West Indies cricket, believe me, I will be one of the first persons to help them do so," he said.
Gordon Greenidge -- a true champion of West Indies cricket.
* NOTE: If Gordon Greenidge is selected to the Sticky Wicket Hall of Fame, he will join Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Viv Richards, George Headley, Clive Lloyd, Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Malcolm Marshall, Lance Gibbs, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Brian Lara, and Ridley Jacobs.