Sir Everton Weekes: The Maestro Who Gave West Indies Its Rhythm

In an age before high-definition cameras captured every flick of the wrist or the subtle elegance of a cover drive, Sir Everton Weekes carved his legacy not in pixels but in the memories of those who watched him, and on scorecards that continue to shimmer with brilliance. With a staggering Test average of 58.61, a record of five consecutive Test centuries, and a commanding presence at the crease, Weekes was not merely a run-maker — he was an artist, a symbol of pride, and a pioneer in West Indian cricket.

Everton Weekes, one of the infamous Three Ws. Image Credit: Getty Images

Born on February 26, 1925, in Barbados, Everton DeCourcy Weekes rose from humble beginnings near the iconic Kensington Oval — the very ground where his name would one day adorn a major stand. His journey to cricketing greatness was anything but ordinary. In fact, his initial selection to the Barbados team was reportedly due to mistaken identity. But what followed was no accident. Weekes went on to become one of the most dominant and stylish batsmen the cricketing world has ever seen.

In just 48 Test matches, Weekes amassed 4455 runs in 81 innings, remaining not out on 5 occasions. His average of 58.61 places him among the top few in the history of Test cricket. He scored 15 centuries and 19 half-centuries, converting starts into big scores with a consistency that was rare in the pre-modern era. His highest Test score of 207 came against India — a team he particularly relished facing.

Weekes' performances against India were nothing short of astounding. In just 10 Tests and 15 innings, he scored 1495 runs at a phenomenal average of 106.78, registering seven centuries and four fifties — meaning he passed fifty in 11 out of 15 innings. This was not merely dominance; it bordered on perfection. His grace, footwork, and ability to pick gaps were tailor-made for Indian conditions, and Indian bowlers had no answers.

His performances against other nations were impressive too. Against England, he scored 1313 runs at 45.27, including a highest of 206. Versus Australia, he faced a sterner challenge, averaging 39.66 with one century and five fifties in 10 matches. Against New Zealand and Pakistan, he maintained averages of 59.75 and 65.00, respectively, demonstrating his versatility across various conditions and opponents.

But perhaps the most defining chapter in Everton Weekes’ career was his streak of five consecutive Test centuries, a record that still stands over seven decades later. It began in March 1948 against England, when he scored his maiden Test hundred — 141 at Kingston. Then came the tour to India in late 1948, where he hit 128 in Delhi, followed by 194 in Bombay, 162 & 101 in Calcutta. In the very next innings, he was controversially run out for 90 at Madras. Weekes always maintained he was safely home — had he not been given out, we might be talking about six centuries in a row, a record beyond imagination even today.

Beyond the numbers and milestones, Everton Weekes was part of a brotherhood that became legendary in Caribbean cricket — The Three Ws: Weekes, Clyde Walcott, and Frank Worrell. All three were born within 17 months of each other, grew up within walking distance in Barbados, and made their Test debuts in 1948. They became the core of the West Indies batting line-up and symbols of Black excellence in a colonial world that still doubted their worth. Together, they not only played cricket — they changed how the world viewed West Indies cricket.

Their legacy is preserved both in spirit and in stone. At Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, one of the stadium's most prominent features is the Worrell Weekes Walcott Stand, named in their honour. It stands as a proud monument to their shared legacy and individual brilliance. Nearby, the Three Ws Oval, located on the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, features bronze busts, plaques, and memorabilia that attract cricket enthusiasts from around the world. Remarkably, all three men were knighted for their contributions to sport and society — a first-of-its-kind recognition for any trio in global cricket.

After retiring from international cricket in 1958, Weekes remained active in the game as a selector, coach, and commentator. He was also a gifted all-round sportsman, having represented Barbados in football, and was known to be a sharp mind at contract bridge. His post-retirement years were spent giving back to the game and nurturing young talent.

Sir Everton Weekes passed away on July 1, 2020, at the age of 95. He was the last surviving member of the Three Ws. His passing marked the end of an era, but his impact continues to resonate. His name still commands reverence not just in the Caribbean, but wherever the game is loved and played.

In a time when flat pitches and T20 techniques can inflate batting averages, Weekes' 58.61 remains one of the most authentic measures of greatness. He played without a helmet, without the luxury of DRS or sports science, and often in politically charged conditions. Yet he emerged as a master — fluent, fearless, and unforgettable.

Sir Everton Weekes didn’t just score runs; he told stories with the bat. His legacy is not confined to statistics but is woven into the cultural fabric of the Caribbean. He was more than a cricketer — he was a symbol of possibility. A boy from Pickwick Gap who, through timing and tenacity, rewrote cricket’s grammar.

And so, every time a West Indies batsman walks out to the crease, head high and eyes set, a part of Sir Everton Weekes walks with him.