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Gleaned from the net:
Frank Worrell's Memorial Service at Westminster Abbey was a singular honour for a cricketer. Some years after his death, Worrell's portrait even figured on a Jamaican currency note.
Worrell's batting was characterized by grace. "For beauty in stroke," declared Wisden, "no one can have excelled Worrell." His average in 51 Test matches was 49.48 but his greatest contribution to West Indies cricket had been reserved for his captaincy. His being a black made his players identify themselves more with his than his predecessors. That he had emerged from an ordinary Caribbean background also helped; when the volatile Gilchrist was hit for 5 consecutive boundaries in an over by Colin Cowdrey in a festival game in 1957, the natural provocation was to bounce viciously at the batsman. However, Worrell walked across and calmed his temperamental fast bowler; you don't bowl bouncers in non-serious matches, Worrell told him. Gilchrist resorted to feeding half-volley after half-volley, preferring to hit for fours rather than risking the displeasure of his captain.
West Indies soon emerged as a talented and cohesive fighting side under Worrell; Wes Hall's delivery was measured at 91 mph and was acknowledged as the fastest of his time.
(To be continued)
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