Photo Credit: Cricket West Indies
West Indies batsman middle-order batsman Shamarh Brooks has hailed the huge impact the great Sir Everton Weekes had on the present generation of regional cricketers. Speaking to members of the media via CWI Media conference, Brooks outlined how Sir Everton served as a mentor to many players as he offered advice on their techniques and skills.
“When I scored my first Test century in India, against Afghanistan, I spoke to Sir Everton. And even in first-class cricket if there is a game played at Kensington Oval, he would always be in the president’s suite watching,” Brooks said. “We would also be able to go up there either during the game or after the game to have a word with him about what he had seen or what we could do differently or that kind of stuff. It’s sad that a great man is gone but he has left a legacy and hopefully the guys in the team now can carry on that legacy.”
Sir Everton, who was the only living member of the legendary Three Ws, which had also included Sir Frank Worrell and Sir Clyde Walcott, passed away earlier this week at the age of 95.
Brooks was speaking as West Indies continue preparations for the upcoming three-Test series against England, which will be played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first match starts on Wednesday at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
“The guys have been working very, very hard. We know the English bowling attack is a good one [but] once we bat well, I think we have a very good chance,” said Brooks. “Spending time at the crease will be key and as long as we apply ourselves, spend some time out there, it will get easier. We need as a batting unit to stand up in this series and make the difference. “Clearly our bowling will be our strength, and has been for the past couple of years. If you look at our batting, when we do get it right as a unit we have won games,” he pointed out. “That’s why I’m stressing on the point that we need to bat well, especially against a team like England at home, who are going to be very challenging. “The coach, I guess he would feel that way because of what he saw in the last game, where the bowlers really raised the intensity and we (batting) fell down.”
