debut: 2/16/17
38,886 runs
In reply to Jumpstart
Jumpy,
I never saw Larry Gomes or his brother play cricket; I just heard from cricket purists about their abilities plus looking at a few videos on the internet.
Ah, Larry Gomes—a name that, to those who know cricket deeply, carries quiet respect rather than loud applause. He is, indeed, one of the most underrated cricketers in the rich tapestry of West Indian cricket history. While the world celebrated the swagger of Viv Richards, the pace of Michael Holding, or the power of Clive Lloyd, Larry Gomes was the one who quietly built innings, stabilized collapses, and gave the team solidity when flash and flair alone couldn’t do the job.
Gomes was not a player who would steal the show with fiery outbursts or thunderous sixes. Instead, he was the pillar of the middle order and frequently came in when the team needed steady hands and cool heads. He was a batsman of poise and grit. His style was understated, his demeanor gentlemanly, and yet his contributions were immense in the grand scheme of the West Indies’ dominance during their golden era.
His 1984 innings at Lord’s against England is one for the purists—a resolute, unbeaten 92 that guided the West Indies to a famous victory. It was an innings of quiet resolve, absorbing pressure and making sure his teammates' flamboyant genius was not wasted. Six centuries against Australia, none better than that on a bouncy Perth strip in 1984 that set up an innings victory, tell their own tale of a quiet achiever.That is what Gomes did so frequently: he played the quiet innings that allowed for victories. wasn’t the star, but he was the foundation. Australian cricketers loved to see him heading back to the dressing room, said Warne.
Perhaps it was his humility that kept him out of the limelight. Gomes never sought attention in a team full of over-the-top personalities. Although he did not have the loudest voice in the room, he was always trustworthy and available to his team when they needed him.For that, he deserves far more recognition than he gets.
Larry Gomes reminds us that not all heroes wear capes—or, in cricket’s case, not all heroes dominate the highlight reels. Some quietly do their job, providing the stability and support that allow others to shine. And in the history of West Indies cricket, Larry Gomes will always be one of those unsung heroes—an anchor in a sea of brilliance.
Sarge