St John’s, Antigua – President of the West Indies Cricket Board Dr. Julian Hunte said that it is with deep sadness that the West Indies cricket family received the news of the tragic passing of Runako Morton.
Runako Morton. Photo: Digicelcricket.com
“Runako’s passing, still in the prime of life, leaves us all in shock,” President Hunte said
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as we all try to come to terms with his loss,” President Hunte added.
“He will be remembered as a fierce competitor on the field who gave no quarter whether he was playing for West Indies, Leeward Islands, Nevis or Trinidad and Tobago,” Hunte noted.
Morton passed on Sunday night after being involved in a motor vehicle accident in Trinidad where he lived with his family. Born on July 22 1978, he was 33.
The robust right handed middle order batsman represented the West Indies Under 19, West Indies Under 23, West Indies B, West Indies A and West Indies Test, ODI and T20 teams. He emerged while playing for his native Nevis and the Leeward Islands but switched to representing Trinidad and Tobago in 2011.
Morton died three days after the sixth anniversary of his debut international century – 110 v New Zealand at Napier.
Morton played in 15 Tests, 56 ODIs and 7 T20s for the West Indies. He scored two ODI centuries and 10 half centuries along with four Test fifties. His most notable performance was a West Indies top score of 90 not out against Australia in Mumbai in the Champions Trophy of 2006. Morton won the Man of the Match award for his match winning innings.