St John’s, Antigua – The West Indies Cricket Board has paid tribute to former captain and wicket-keeper Franz Copeland Murray “Gerry” Alexander, who died on Saturday in his native Jamaica. He was 82.
Speaking on behalf of the WICB, President Dr Julian Hunte, hailed Alexander as a stalwart, and recalled the great contribution he made during the famous Tied Test Series in Australia, under captain Sir Frank Worrell.
“On behalf of the WICB and all the cricket-loving people who support West Indies cricket I want to extend heart-felt condolences to the family and loved ones of Gerry Alexander. He was a stalwart in Jamaica and West Indies cricket and made a tremendous contribution to the game as captain and a player on the field. He was an inspiration to many people off the field as well,” said Dr Hunte.
“He displayed a true love and passion for West Indies cricket and gave his all for the good of the game. He was a dignified and reliable leader of the West Indies team and a committed supporter of the game at all levels. He excelled in the 1960-61 Tied Test Series in Australia and will always be remembered for the fantastic role he played to help ‘save Test cricket’.”
Dr Hunte added: “For reasons such as these and more, he will be remembered for the contribution he made. He understood what was required at the time and did his best for West Indies cricket. He also left a legacy in the field of veterinary medicine where he always tried to be of help.”
During that epic tour Down Under in 1960-61, Alexander played in all five Test matches. He made 484 runs at 60.50, including his only first-class century – an outstanding 108 in the Third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He also made 60 in the first innings at the Gabba in Brisbane in the famous tied Test.
Overall, Alexander played 25 Test matches. He scored 961 runs for an average of 30.03 per innings. He had 85 catches and five stumpings. He was educated at Wolmer’s Boys School in Jamaica, which produced several outstanding West Indies wicket-keepers, and later when on Cambridge University where he represented the institution in cricket and football.
