The cricketing fraternity started coming with some heartwarming messages for ICC Hall of Famer and West Indies cricket legend Everton Weekes after he took his last breathe at the age of 95 on Wednesday. Weekes, who was the last of the famous West Indies trio — the three Ws — had suffered a heart attack in 20019 last year and had been ill since.
The Indian head coach, Ravi Shastri took to social media to pay his tribute to the legendary West Indies batsman.
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Shastri tweeted: “Saddened by passing away of Sir Everton Weekes who was the last of the famous ‘Three Ws’. A true humble great of the game. My thoughts and prayers are with Sir Weekes’ family and fans in this hour of grief. RIP Sir”.
Saddened by passing away of Sir Everton Weekes who was the last of the famous 'Three Ws'. A true humble great of the game. My thoughts and prayers are with Sir Weekes’ family and fans in this hour of grief. RIP Sir 🙏 – @windiescricket pic.twitter.com/cvRhdJ1yiu
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) July 2, 2020
Legendary West Indies skipper Sir Vivian Richards Weekes’ demise was a shocker for him as he termed the latter as a ‘true icon’.
Richards had tweeted: “Can’t believe the legendary Sir Everton Weekes is no more. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. One of the greatest cricketers from the country. A true icon. Rest In Peace, legend!”
Can't believe the legendary Sir Everton Weekes is no more. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. One of the greatest cricketers from the country. A true icon.
Rest In Peace, legend! pic.twitter.com/GuZLPcUiHe
— Sir Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) July 2, 2020
Very sad to learn of the passing of Sir Everton Weekes. A humble man who wore his greatness lightly
— Mike atherton (@Athersmike) July 1, 2020
T20 World Cup-winning former West Indies skipper, Daren Sammy also mourned the death of the legend on Twitter.
Sammy tweeted: “We lost a legend today. Sir Everton Weekes is part of @windiescricket great history and legacy. He also was a great human being. Condolences goes out to his family. May he Rest In Peace.”
We lost a legend today. Sir Everton Weekes is part of @windiescricket great history and legacy. He also was a great human being. Condolences goes out to his family. May he Rest In Peace ✌🏾 🙏🏾
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) July 1, 2020
Sir Everton Weekes some cricketer, some man. Goodbye. Should you see Malcolm Marshall on your travels, do give him a hug from us all…
— Mark Nicholas (@mcjnicholas) July 1, 2020
ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney pointed out that Weekes’ was known for his aggressive batting style. He said, “His attacking batting contributed in making the West Indies such an attractive side to watch. To be in that team itself was such a big honour, but there were times when Weekes really stood apart with his distinct style. On behalf of everyone at the ICC, I send our sincere condolences to his family and friends.”
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Everton Weekes along with Clyde Walcott and Frank Worrell were jointly called as ‘the three Ws’ that dominated world cricket in the post-war era. Weekes, who was considered the best batsman among the three, played 48 Test matches for the West Indies.
Weekes amassed 4455 runs at a phenomenal average of 58.62 in his career which lasted between 1948 to 1958. He scored 15 hundreds. He also scored 12,010 runs in his 152 matches of the first-class career at an average of 55.34. He hit 36 centuries, including his highest score of 304 not out.
