By K.Seshu Kumar
Courtney Andrew Walsh, the cricketer referred to as the "Gentle giant",was born 30 Oct 1962 in Kingston,Jamaica. Indeed a day that the entire West Indies no doubt celebrate. For, over a decade and half Courtney Walsh has been the backbone of the West Indian bowling attack.
The right arm fast bowler has played for the West Indies, Jamaica and Gloucsetershire and has captained all the three sides! Courtney first played for West Indies in 1984. Since then he has been the workhorse of the West indian bowling attack. Never given the recognition that was due to him, never really showered with the praise that he deserves, never won the adulation that he should have, Walsh has taken it in his stride and performed the task relentlessly and successfully.
Courtney Walsh has never been the kind of player to throw tantrums on the field or show uninhibited jubiliation on taking a wicket. He might not have instilled a sense of terror in the minds of batsmen as other great West Indian bowlers have done over the years, but he has never been a lesser bowler than any of them. A great himan being, he proved his sporting spirit on field in the Reliance world cup of 1987 when he did not run out a Pakistani batsmen who was backing up too far at the non-striker's end. This act of his was called "unprofessional" by many. But then, that is courtney for you.......the man we love to call The Gentle Giant.
Courtney has now joined the 400 club. He is the West Indies' leading wicket- taker.
Congratulations Courtney!!!
Pictures of Courtney Walsh
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Many thanks to Jackie Hewitt from whose pages I have been able to get pictures of Courtney.
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