Former West Indies captain Gerry Alexander dead

Apr 18, 2011 |

IANS

Port of Spain

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Former West Indies cricket captain Franz 'Gerry' Alexander has died in Jamaica's capital Kingston, family sources said.

Alexander's sister-in-law Betty Barnes said he was 82 but didn't reveal the cause of his death on Saturday.

Alexander, who was the last white captain to lead the West Indies, played in 25 Test matches. He made his debut against England at Leeds in 1957 and played on till 1961 scoring 961 runs at an average of 30.03, including a top score of 108 against Australia.

Alexander led the side in 18 of those matches beginning with a home series against Pakistan.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) paid rich tributes to Alexander with WICB president Julian Hunte hailing Alexander as a stalwart and recalling the great contribution he made during the famous Tied Test Series in Australia, under captain Frank Worrell.

"On behalf of the WICB and all the cricket-loving people who support West Indies cricket, I want to extend heart-felt condolences to the family and loved ones of Gerry Alexander. He was a stalwart in Jamaica and West Indies cricket and made a tremendous contribution to the game as captain and a player on the field. He was an inspiration to many people off the field as well," said Hunte.

"He displayed a true love and passion for West Indies cricket and gave his all for the good of the game. He was a dignified and reliable leader of the West Indies team and a committed supporter of the game at all levels. He excelled in the 1960-61 Tied Test Series in Australia and will always be remembered for the fantastic role he played to help 'save Test cricket'."

"For reasons such as these and more, he will be remembered for the contribution he made. He understood what was required at the time and did his best for West Indies cricket. He also left a legacy in the field of veterinary medicine where he always tried to be of help," Hunte said.

During that epic tour Down Under in 1960-61, Alexander played in all five Test matches. He made 484 runs at 60.50, including his only first-class century - an outstanding 108 in the Third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He also made 60 in the first innings at the Gabba in Brisbane in the famous tied Test.

Alexander was educated at Wolmer's Boys School in Jamaica, which produced several outstanding West Indies wicket-keepers, and later in Cambridge University where he represented the institution in cricket and football.

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