ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies president, Dr Kishore Shallow, on Saturday hailed the contributions of former Guyana and West Indies players Clyde Butts and Joe Solomon who both died Friday.
Cricket West Indies president, Dr Kishore Shallow.Solomon, best known for his role in the historic Tied Test in 1960, passed away in New York at age 93 while Butts, also a former convenor of West Indies selectors, died tragically in a vehicular accident in Guyana.
“The remarkable contributions of Joe Solomon and Clyde Butts will be remembered not only by those in their native Guyana but also by many across the West Indies,” Shallow said in a statement.
Solomon featured in 27 Tests between 1958 to 1965, scoring 1 326 runs and a single hundred – an unbeaten 100 against India in Delhi in only his fourth Test.
He also gathered 5 318 runs from 104 first class matches with 12 centuries.
However, Solomon was best remembered for his run out which resulted in the first tied Test at the Gabba in Brisbane.
“Joe Solomon stood among the heroes of West Indies cricket. His iconic play – the pick-up, throw, and run-out of Ian Meckiff in the tied Test – remains an indelible moment in our history,” said Shallow.
“His dedication to the game was evident in mentoring numerous players, showing his commitment to the sport’s development. He was a true servant of the game.”
Off-spinner Butts, meanwhile, claimed ten wickets in seven Tests between 1985 and 1988. He was more successful in the first class arena, dominating with 348 wickets at an average of 24.
Following his playing career, he spent several years as chief West Indies men’s chief selector and also served as manager of West Indies Under-19s.
“Clyde Butts, a stalwart figure in West Indies’ first-class history, displayed extraordinary adeptness as an off-spinner and captain for Guyana,” Shallow continued.
“His legacy extended beyond the field, earning him recognition as a statesman and ambassador for the game in Guyana and the region.
“In retirement, his unwavering commitment to coaching reflected his dedication. He tirelessly invested hours, nurturing young talent and passionately fostering their development within the sport.”
He added: “He served with distinction as team manager for the West Indies Under-19 team. His exceptional leadership as Chairman of Selectors notably resulted in forming the triumphant team that won the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup, a victory that brought immense pride and glory to the people of the West Indies.”
