Early Life and Background
Lesroy Weekes was born on July 19, 1971, in the beautiful island of Montserrat, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean. From a young age, Weekes showed a natural talent for cricket, which is no surprise given the rich cricketing history of the West Indies. Growing up in Montserrat, Weekes honed his skills on the dusty pitches of the island, dreaming of one day representing his country at the highest level.
Rise to Prominence
Weekes made his debut for the Montserrat national team at the age of 18 and quickly established himself as a key player in the side. His performances caught the eye of scouts from the Leeward Islands team, and he was soon called up to represent them in regional competitions. Weekes’ all-round abilities as a medium-fast bowler and lower-order batsman made him a valuable asset to any team he played for.
Professional Career
In 1995, Weekes was selected to represent the Leeward Islands in the Red Stripe Cup, a first-class cricket competition in the West Indies. He made an immediate impact, taking wickets with his accurate seam bowling and contributing valuable runs with the bat. Weekes’ performances did not go unnoticed, and he was soon called up to represent the West Indies A team.
International Debut
Weekes made his international debut for the West Indies in 1997, playing against Australia in a One Day International (ODI) match. Although he did not have a memorable debut, Weekes showed glimpses of his potential with both bat and ball. He continued to be a part of the West Indies squad for the next few years, playing in both ODIs and Test matches.
Playing Style
Weekes was known for his ability to swing the ball both ways at a lively pace, making him a handful for even the best batsmen in the world. With the bat, he was a gritty lower-order batsman who could score quick runs when needed. Weekes’ never-say-die attitude and fighting spirit endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
Career Highlights
One of Weekes’ most memorable performances came in a Test match against England in 2000, where he took a five-wicket haul in the first innings and scored a crucial half-century with the bat. He was instrumental in helping the West Indies secure a famous victory against their long-time rivals. Weekes’ all-round performance earned him praise from cricketing legends around the world.
Legacy
Despite his many contributions to West Indian cricket, Lesroy Weekes remains an unsung hero in many ways. His name may not be as well-known as some of his more illustrious teammates, but those who watched him play knew that he was a true warrior on the field. Weekes’ never-say-die attitude and commitment to the game serve as an inspiration to young cricketers from Montserrat and beyond.
Life After Cricket
After retiring from international cricket, Weekes returned to Montserrat where he continued to be involved in coaching and mentoring young cricketers. He also worked as a cricket commentator for local radio stations, providing insightful analysis on matches and players. Weekes’ passion for the game never waned, and he remained an active member of the cricketing community until his untimely passing in 2018.
Tributes and Honors
Following his death, tributes poured in from all corners of the cricketing world, with former teammates and opponents alike praising Weekes for his dedication and passion for the game. The Montserrat Cricket Association named their annual Spirit of Cricket award after Weekes, honoring his legacy as a true gentleman of the game.
Remembering a Legend
Lesroy Weekes may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of his more celebrated contemporaries, but those who had the privilege of watching him play know that he was a true legend of West Indian cricket. His never-say-die attitude, fierce competitiveness, and unwavering commitment to excellence set him apart as one of the greats of his era.
Final Thoughts
Lesroy Weekes may no longer be with us, but his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all those who had the pleasure of watching him play. His story serves as a reminder that true greatness is not always measured by statistics or records, but by the impact one has on those around them. Lesroy Weekes will forever be remembered as a true hero of Montserrat and West Indian cricket.
