Sports icons : George Headley -career highlights of the famous bàtsman of West Indies

 

George Headley, often referred to as the "Black Bradman," is one of the greatest cricketers to have played for the West Indies. Here are the details of his life and career:

Date of Birth:

- **George Alphonso Headley** was born on May 30, 1909, in Colon, Panama.

 Early Life:

- Headley's parents were Jamaican, and he moved to Jamaica at the age of ten.

- He showed early promise in cricket, excelling in school and local club matches.

Cricket Career Highlights:

1. **Test Debut**:

   - Headley made his Test debut for the West Indies against England on January 11, 1930, in Bridgetown, Barbados.

2. **Batting Prowess**:

   - Known for his exceptional technique and concentration, Headley quickly established himself as a batting genius.

   - In his debut series against England, he scored his first Test century (176) in the fourth Test at Georgetown.

3.Historic Achievements**:

   - Headley was the first West Indian batsman to score a century in both innings of a Test match, achieving this feat against England in 1939.

   - He was also the first West Indian cricketer to score ten Test centuries.

   - His Test batting average of 60.83 is the third highest in the history of the game among players who have completed their careers.

4. **Notable Performances**:

   - During the 1935 series against England, Headley scored 270 not out at Sabina Park, Kingston, a record that stood as the highest score by a West Indian for many years.

   - He was instrumental in the West Indies' first Test series victory, which came against England in 1935.

5. **World War II**:

   - The Second World War interrupted Headley's career, limiting his appearances in international cricket during what would have been his peak years.

6. **Post-War Career**:

   - Headley returned to Test cricket in 1948 but played only sparingly due to age and injuries.

   - He captained the West Indies in 1948 against England, becoming the first black captain of the West Indies cricket team.

7. **Career Statistics**:

   - In his Test career, Headley played 22 matches, scored 2,190 runs at an average of 60.83, including 10 centuries and 5 fifties.

   - His first-class career spanned from 1927 to 1954, during which he played 103 matches, scored 9,921 runs at an average of 69.86, with 33 centuries.

8. **Legacy**:

   - Headley's impact on West Indian cricket was profound, inspiring future generations of cricketers.

   - His son, Ron Headley, and grandson, Dean Headley, also played first-class cricket, with Dean representing England in Test cricket.

9. **Post-Retirement**:

   - After retiring from cricket, Headley remained involved in the game as a coach and mentor.

   - He passed away on November 30, 1983, in Kingston, Jamaica.

### Honors:

- George Headley is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket.

- He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009.

George Headley's illustrious career and his contributions to West Indian cricket have left an indelible mark on the sport, making him a legendary figure in the history of cricket.