Book Review: Clyde Walcott - Statesman of West Indies Cricket by Peter Mason

In the 1950s, Clyde Walcott was part of the legendary ‘three Ws’ batting triumvirate with Everton Weekes and Frank Worrell, that helped give West Indies cricket a new identity distinct from its colonial past. He was a batter of considerable power, who contributed well to one of the greatest of all 'engine rooms', as well as being a good wicket-keeper until back issues caused him to leave that to others.

His Test and first-class records were remarkably similar and anyone who ends a lengthy career with a Test average of 56.68, just ahead of a first-class one of 56.64 deserves to be bracketed in that exclusive pantheon of greatness. He was also an outstanding league professional for Enfield in Lancashire over four seasons, a time that produces some delightful stories here.

After Test cricket he became a prominent administrator, managing the great West Indies teams that dominated the sport in the 1980s. There was mutual respect with his captains and he took a lot of pressure from them in handling media requirements, as well as the distinct  challenges of inter-island rivalries 

A vocal supporter of using cricket to apply pressure to the South African apartheid regime, in 1992 he became chairman of the International Cricket Council – the first black man in that influential role.

Yet of equal interest in this absorbing book is the account of his time as the cricket and social welfare organiser in the then British Guiana, a position that he held for sixteen years. His work in developing the game on the plantations unearthed some excellent cricketers.

Peter Mason has done an outstanding job with this biography and I applaud the depth of research, as well as the excellent statistics, notes and index. Recognition too should go to the Manchester University Press as this isn't necessarily the obvious choice of subject for such a publisher. Yet they have produced an excellent, highly readable book that is also in a font size that will be appreciated by the more mature reader, for who Walcott was a giant figure of their youth. 

Walcott was a man of many parts, all of them done to a very high standard. He was a figure of towering influence in the game of cricket over five decades, which is an astonishing legacy.

This book is worthy recognition of a life well-lived and a man of considerable and deserved reputation. 

Highly recommended. 

Clyde Walcott: Statesman of West Indies Cricket is written by Peter Mason and published by the Manchester University Press

It is published on September 17 at only £9.99 for the paperback.