A profile of George Headley by Dave Liverman

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Player:

GA Headley

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A magnificent batsman, surpassed only by Bradman, and possibly even his master on wet wickets. He carried the batting for what was a weak West Indies side through the 1930s, and returned to captain them in their first post-war Test, the first black man to do so. At first he was known for his brilliant off side play, especially his cutting, but when the Australians restricted his stroke play with a leg stump line in 1930/31, he adapted his style and developed into one of the best on-side players in the game. He favoured the back foot, where his exceptional eye and speed of footwork allowed him to play the ball very late, but fiercely drove any over-pitched delivery. He was equally comfortable against all types of bowling, and relished the challenge of difficult conditions. He had remarkable concentration, and applied this to his cricket, particularly his batting. He was born in Panama, but moved to Jamaica at an early age. He was a fine fielder in any position, and loved to bowl his leg breaks, with occasional success. His son Ron, and grandson, Dean have both played Test cricket. He never failed in a Test series, and is one of the very few to average over 60 at the highest level, with most of his Tests against England or Australia. A quiet and modest man, he was a professional in the Lancashire League for Colne, and, plagued by injury, played his last Test at the age of 44.

(Article: Copyright © 1998 Dave Liverman)