BRIDGETOWN: Former test spinner Sonny Ramadhin, a key part of the West Indies side that won a first away series in England in 1950 and described as “pioneer” of the game, has died aged 92.
Born on the island of Trinidad and Tobago in 1929, Ramadhin was the first man of Indian heritage to represent the region in cricket and a star of his time, claiming 158 wickets from 43 Tests during a 10-year international career.
Ramadhin took 158 wickets in 43 tests at an average of 28.98, which included match figures of 11-152 when West Indies claimed a first ever test victory in England at Lords 72 years ago. His partnership with Jamaican slow left-armer, Alf Valentine, was legendary when the pair first came together in England in 1950. They shared 59 wickets as a West Indies team also containing – Frank Worrell, Everton Weekes and Clyde Walcott – made its presence felt on the world stage with a 3-1 series triumph.
Cricket West Indies President Ricky Skerritt said they had lost a true giant of the region in the former right-arm off-break bowler, who had made an “outstanding contribution” to the sport.
“Sonny Ramadhin was one of the great pioneers of West Indies cricket,” Skerritt said in a media release from Cricket West Indies. “Many stories are told of his tremendous feats on the 1950 tour when he combined with Alf Valentine to form cricket’s ‘spin twins’ as West Indies conquered England away from home for the first time.”
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“This iconic tour is part of our rich cricket legacy, which was pioneered by Mr. Ramadhin and others of his generation.” His record included match figures of 11-152 when West Indies claimed a first-ever Test victory in England at Lord’s 72 years ago.
Skerritt added, “This iconic tour is part of our rich cricket legacy, which was pioneered by Mr. Ramadhin and others of his generation. His English exploit was celebrated in a famous calypso – and is still remembered more than 70 years later. Today we salute Sonny Ramadhin for his outstanding contribution to West Indies cricket.”
Ramadhin had settled in the north‑west of England after his playing days, played two seasons for Lancashire in the 1960s and then enjoyed a further spell with Lincolnshire in the Minor Counties Championship. His grandson, the former seamer Kyle Hogg, also played for Lancashire.
The news of Ramadhin’s passing was first announced on Sunday morning by Friarmere CC, the Pennine Cricket League club in Delph, Oldham, where he was president. Tributes are expected during England’s latest tour of the Caribbean and the three-match Test series for the renamed Richards-Botham trophy that starts in Antigua on 8 March.
