Courtney Andrew Walsh : Cricket
Courtney Andrew Walsh, OJ (born: October 30, 1962) Is a Jamaican former international cricketer (fast bowler) who in 2001 became the first bowler to attain more than 500 Test wickets. He played for the West Indies in international play from 1984 to 2001 and became the captain of the team in 22 Test Matches. He is known to become a regular member of the West Indies pace attack with Curtly Ambrose, a formidable one-two combination in opening bowling. Walsh took his Test debut against Australia in 1984 taking 2 wickets for 43 runs.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
Walsh held the record for most Test wickets in 2000 when he broke Kapil Dev’s record. But that record was later broken by Shane Warne in 2004. He was also the first bowler to reach 500 wickets in Test cricket. he was named Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1987 and became the Indian Cricket Cricketer of the Year in 1988. He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in October 2010.
Why Was He So Good?
Courtney Walsh was also known to be aggressive. He never permitted any batsmen to settle into a pace. His stock delivery was a wicket leg-cutter, bowled with an awkward flailing action. Wisden noted his “three distinct speeds, all delivered with the same action” and his “sparing use of the bouncer, his shorter deliveries generally threatening the batsman’s ribcage, a tactic which, allied to change of pace, produced many catches in the short-leg area off splice or glove”. He has a right-hand bat and a right-arm fast bowling style.
What You May Not Know
- Courtney Walsh is probably the fastest bowler than any man in history.
- Among Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Anil Kumble, he is the only bowler who has not taken eight or more wickets in innings.
Related Pages
- More cricket players
- List of Tallest Cricket Players Ever
- Cricket Bowling Tips For Fast Bowlers
- About Cricket
- Athlete Database home
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