Frank Worrell facts for kids
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| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name |
Frank Mortimer Maglinne Worrell
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| Born | 1 August 1924 Bridgetown, Saint Michael, Colony of Barbados |
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| Died | 13 March 1967 (aged 42) Kingston, Jamaica |
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| Nickname | Tae, Flanny | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Batting | Right-handed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bowling | Slow left arm orthodox Left arm medium |
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| Relations | Larry Worrell (cousin) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| National side |
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| Test debut (cap 61) | 11 February 1948 v England | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Test | 26 August 1963 v England | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic team information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1941–1947 | Barbados | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1947–1964 | Jamaica | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Source: CricketArchive, 8 January 2009
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Sir Frank Mortimer Maglinne Worrell (born August 1, 1924 – died March 13, 1967) was a famous West Indies cricketer and a senator in Jamaica. People sometimes called him "Tae." He was a very elegant right-handed batsman and a good left-arm seam bowler.
He became well-known in the 1950s as the second black captain of the West Indies cricket team. Along with Everton Weekes and Clyde Walcott, he was part of a famous trio called "The Three Ws." He was also the first batsman to be involved in two huge 500-run partnerships in first-class cricket.
The Frank Worrell Trophy is a special award given to the team that wins the Test series between Australia and West Indies. Sir Frank Worrell also studied economics and played cricket in England. A special memorial service was held for him in Westminster Abbey. This was the first time such an honor was given to a sportsman.
In 2009, Sir Frank Worrell was added to the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. Many people see him as the "Nelson Mandela of Cricket" because of his impact.
Cricket Career Highlights
Frank Worrell was born in Barbados, very close to its main cricket ground. He first became famous playing first-class cricket for Barbados. In 1947, he moved to Jamaica and started playing cricket for their team.
Playing for West Indies
Worrell played his first game for the West Indies cricket team in 1947–48 against the England cricket team. After this series, he moved to England. There, he played for Radcliffe in the Central Lancashire League. He also studied economics at Manchester University.
In 1950, he scored his highest Test score of 261 runs against England. This amazing performance happened at Trent Bridge. He was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1951.
Breaking Barriers as Captain
Before Worrell, only white cricketers had captained the West Indies Test team for full series. Thanks to a strong campaign led by C. L. R. James, this changed. Worrell became the first black cricketer to lead the West Indies cricket team for an entire series. This was a huge step in breaking down color barriers in West Indian cricket.
He led the team on two very memorable tours. The first was to Australia in 1960–61. Both Worrell and the Australian captain, Richie Benaud, encouraged their teams to play exciting, attacking cricket. The first match of the series ended in a thrilling tie. Even though West Indies lost the series 2–1, they earned a lot of respect. Their great performance and sportsmanship in Australia were celebrated. They even received a huge parade in Australia at the end of their tour.
A True Sportsman
On February 3, 1962, Nari Contractor, the captain of the Indian team, got a serious head injury. This happened from a fast ball bowled by West Indies bowler Charlie Griffith. Worrell was the very first player from either team to donate blood to Contractor. His quick action helped save Contractor's life.
In 1963, the West Indies team toured England again. They were very popular and won the series 3–1. This was their second series victory in England.
Life After Cricket
Worrell retired from professional cricket after the West Indies–England series. He then became the Warden of Irvine Hall at the University of the West Indies. He was also appointed to the Jamaican Senate by Sir Alexander Bustamante. He strongly believed that Caribbean nations should work more closely together. In 1964, he was knighted for his great contributions to cricket.
Worrell also managed the West Indies team during Australia's visit in 1964–65. He traveled with the team to India in the winter of 1966–67. It was during this trip that he was diagnosed with leukemia. He passed away at the age of 42, just one month after returning to Jamaica. A memorial service was held for him in Westminster Abbey. This was a very special honor, as it was the first time a sportsman received such a tribute.
Worrell's Lasting Impact
The Frank Worrell Trophy
Since the 1960–61 series, the Frank Worrell Trophy has been awarded to the winning team of the Test series between Australia and West Indies.
Cricket Grounds Named After Him
Two cricket grounds are named in his honor. The Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground is in Saint Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. The Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Ground is at the University of the West Indies' Mona Campus in Jamaica.
Banknote and Stamp
In March 2002, a special $5 banknote was made to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Central Bank of Barbados. This banknote featured Sir Frank Worrell's picture. In 1988, he was also honored on a $2 Barbadian stamp.
University Honors
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus in Barbados holds an annual Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Lecture. One of the Halls of Residence at the university is also named after him.
Memorial Committee and Blood Drives
In 2007, the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Committee was created. This was to mark 40 years since his death. It also happened during the opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup in Jamaica.
In 2009, the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Blood Drive began in Trinidad and Tobago. Nari Contractor, the cricketer whose life Worrell saved with his blood donation, started it. To remember this act, the Cricket Association of Bengal in India holds a blood donation drive every year. This day is known as Sir Frank Worrell Day in West Bengal.
Food Branding
Tibb's Frankie, an Indian chain of food outlets, is named after Sir Frank Worrell. The founder named it after him because he was his favorite cricketer. Their special wraps are called "Frankies."
Biographies
- Frank Worrell: The Career of a Great Cricketer, 1963, by Ernest Eytle
See also
- Development of the Test captaincy of West Indies
