Today Everton Weekes turns 100-Equal of Viv Richards and Brian Lara?

[Harsh Thakor]

Everton Weekes turns 100 today,who expired at age of 95,in year 2020.

 

When batting, Weekes often exuded vibrations of an incarnate of Donald Bradman, with a striking similarity: in the manner he pulverised the bowling. Bradman, and with similar effect, even if with a slightly less spectacular (though still highly impressive) average of 58.61. At best, possibly no batsman came more within striking distance of Bradman, as Weekes. No Caribbean batsmen arguably executed attacking aggression in such a methodical, calculating or clinical manner, or was more pugnacious. Hard to visualise any  batsman more mercurial, displaying more breathtaking exuberance, or plundering runs more mercilessly.

His batting, was unorthodox in nature, revelling off the backfoot. He cut, hooked and drove with incredible power of either foot facing the fastest bowlers of his time. He drove hard in many directions, frequently giving himself room to lace the ball to penetrate the offside. No Caribbean batsmen arguably executed attacking aggression in such a methodical, calculating or clinical manner ,or was more pugnacious. Weekes could dance down the pitch, before you said ‘Jack Robinson’ to the spinners.

 

 

 

His characteristic and invented defensive stroke was stealthily played late, as though he mentally conceived every possible aggressive shot, planning until the last moment for a method of attacking the bowling before judging that the particular ball could only be played with a  defensive stroke ,which he then executed  with remorseless ease.

 

Weekes retired, scoring 4455 runs, at an average of 58.61, scoring 15 centuries, in 81 test innings and 48 test matches.  Weekes averaged 69.14, scoring 2420 at home and 49.63 overseas, scoring 2035  runs Weekes averaged 111.28.i n India, and overall 106.78 against India. He averaged 39.66 against Australia and 45.27 against England. In England he averaged33.31 while in Australia, 24.50.

 

 

 

Weekes has a strong case for being placed in contention for the title of the best ever West Indies batsman and top 5-10 batsmen ever. At best, possibly no batsman came more within striking distance of Bradman, as Weekes., scaling aura of invincibility in run making in inexorable heights. Noteworthy that Bradman ranked Weekes, as the best West Indies batsmen he ever saw.

What went against Weekes being rated as the best ever Calypso batsmen or amongst the best 5 batsmen of all time, was his premature retirement at age of 32, and not as impressive record overseas. In my view, considering all factors Weekes ranks just a whisker below Gary Sobers, George Headley, Viv Richards and Brian Lara. Although more consistent than them Viv Richards and Brian Lara were proven against more diverse bowling and conditions, more innovative and at best turned games more. Gary Sobers was more tested and impactful. George Headly rates ahead because he championed the cause singlehandedly, like a one-man army.

Cristopher Martin Jenkins placed Weekes at 32^nd place in his top 100 cricketers ever and Geoff Armstrong at 35^th place. With a gun on my head, Weekes may just scrape into my list of 5 best Caribbean batsmen ever, best dozen batsmen ever and best 50 cricketers ever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Ultimate_Game]

However great Everton Weekes might have been, he wasn't good enough to tie Majid Khan's shoe laces.

[coffee_rules]

His 5 consective 100s in Tests is still a record even after 77 years. One of the top 10 test cricketers from WI

[Vilander]

On 2/26/2025 at 1:40 PM, Ultimate_Game said:

However great Everton Weekes might have been, he wasn't good enough to tie Majid Khan's shoe laces.

Majid Khan was better for sure..

[Vilander]

[Vilander]

Imran Khan

Majid Khan

 

Best.. Why other polls?

 

Lets clsoe the thread pls..

[coffee_rules]

Major Khan jokes are old. I have problem with his choices in the poll.. can consider him for WI ATG top 10 only. Woh choice hain hi nahin

[Lord]

So weekes turned 5200 weeks old?

[Vickydev]

9 hours ago, Lord said:

So weekes turned 5200 weeks old?

And you should not be allowed to speak after this debacle