Sir Wes Hall (right) was presented the honorary cap by Courtney Walsh (left) © Getty Images
Sir Wesley Hall, the ferocious West Indian pacer of the 60s, was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame ahead of the second Test between Australia and West Indies at Sabina Park. He has hence become the 18th West Indian to make it to the list, from a total of 80 illustrious names. ALSO READ: Wesley Hall – A gentleman fast bowler, now a preacher and knight
Courtney Walsh presented the prestigious commemorative cap to the legendary bowler. The ceremony had in attendance some great names like Clive Lloyd and Sir Everton Weekes. West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president and ICC director Dave Cameron was also present.
Hall became the fourth cricketer this year to be given the hall of fame honour, after Betty Wilson, Anil Kumble and Martin Crowe were commemorated during the span of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. Hall was understandably elated on receiving the honour.
“I feel privileged and indeed honoured to be given this tremendous award. I have noted the list and it has some tremendous cricketers – heroes who have made the game what it is today. So, I am humbled to be included among these many greats of the game,” Hall said. ALSO READ: Wes Hall: Terror on the ground, religious off it
“Anytime you get these kind of encomiums, it is memorable. It is fantastic to receive the award in the West Indies and in front of adoring fans, which makes it even more special. I have represented the West Indies as a cricketer, as the team manager, and as the President of the WICB, so I will treat this as something I value and will always remember.
“Fast bowling was my hallmark and I enjoyed my moments on the cricket field. I enjoyed representing the people of the West Indies and contributing towards the development of the game and the region. Cricket has been extremely good to me and I was happy to give back to the game. This honour, presented to me by the ICC, is one I will cherish. It is not just for me but for the people of the West Indies.”
Hall played 48 Tests in a career spanning about 11 years from 1958 – 1969. In this period Hall picked an impressive 192 wickets at an average of 26.38. He holds the distinction for being the first West Indian bowler to take a hat-trick.