SYDNEY, Aug 28: The late West Indies legend Sir Clyde Walcott will always hold a special place in the hearts of Australian cricket lovers, Cricket Australia said on Monday. Walcott, one of the three Ws of Caribbean cricket along with Sir Frank Worrell and Everton Weekes who shot to fame in the 1950s, died in a Barbados hospital on Saturday at the age of 80.

CA Chairman Creagh OConnor said Walcott played cricket in a manner that endeared him to fans and opponents.

“Sir Clyde also contributed to the game after his playing days, including serving as International Cricket Council president,” OConnor said in a CA statement.

“On behalf of Cricket Australia, I express our condolences to his family, friends and to West Indian cricket as we collectively mourn the passing of a genuine cricketing great.”

In 44 Tests Walcott hit 15 hundreds and made 3,798 runs at an average of 56.68. His highest Test score was 220 against England in Bridgetown in 1954.

He played in eight Tests against Australia, scoring 914 runs with five centuries at 57.13.—AFP