The 3 Ws – The Prides of Barbados

The 3 Ws—Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir Frank Worrell, and Sir Everton Weekes—are cricketing icons from Barbados, representing the West Indies team in the mid-20th century. Known for their exceptional batting skills and camaraderie, they captivated audiences worldwide.

Their legacy symbolizes resilience and unity, inspiring generations of players and fans.

Sir Clyde Leopold Walcott KA, GCM, OBE

Sir Clyde Leopold Walcott, O.B.E., born on January 17, 1926, is a renowned figure in cricket. He represented Barbados, Guyana, and the West Indies from 1942 to 1960. Since 1969, he has managed various West Indies cricket teams in international events. Notable achievements include scoring 314 Not Out for Barbados in 1946 and achieving a century in each inning of a Test match against Australia in 1955. He’s part of the legendary 3 W’s. Beyond cricket, he’s held significant positions and received awards such as the A.A. – Golden Arrow of Achievement Award from Guyana and the O.B.E. He served as the Chief Personnel Officer of the Barbados Shipping & Trading Co. Ltd. Married to Muriel Walcott, they had two sons.

Sir Clyde Leopold Walcott died on August 26, 2006, aged 80.

Sir Everton DeCourcy Weekes, KCMG, GCM, OBE

Sir Everton DeCourcy Weekes, a prominent member of the iconic trio known as the 3 Ws, revolutionized cricket with his exceptional skills and style. Born in Barbados on February 26, 1925, Weekes demonstrated remarkable talent from an early age. Despite humble beginnings, he honed his cricketing prowess while playing for the Garrison Sports Club, making his First-Class debut for Barbados in 1945. Although his start in international cricket against England in 1948 was challenging, he seized a second chance with a remarkable century in Jamaica. Throughout his career, Weekes showcased his ability to play off the back foot and dominate formidable bowlers like Vinoo Mankad and Ray Lindwall. His partnership with the other Ws, especially during the 1950s, was legendary, highlighted by his consistent performances against formidable opponents like Australia and India. Despite facing setbacks, including injury, Weekes’ resilience and genius were undeniable, earning him accolades from contemporaries like Denis Compton. After retiring from cricket, Weekes contributed as a commentator and mentor to emerging talents. In recognition of his remarkable contributions to cricket, Weekes was knighted in 1995, solidifying his legacy as one of cricket’s all-time greats.

Sir Everton Weekes passed at the age of 80 in 2020.

Sir Frank Mortimer Maglinne Worrell

Worrell, the first black captain to lead West Indies in a full Test series, played a crucial role in unifying the team and laying the foundation for their dominant era. Not only was he a skilled batsman and bowler, but Worrell’s leadership skills brought out the best in players like Sobers and Kanhai. His sportsmanship was evident in his gesture of donating blood for injured Indian captain Nari Contractor in 1962. Despite his premature death due to leukemia, Worrell’s legacy is honored through initiatives like the annual blood donation camp held by the Cricket Association of Bengal in his honor. Post-retirement, he continued to serve cricket and was knighted in 1964 for his remarkable contributions to the sport.