Sylvester Clarke was a fast bowler from Barbados who played international cricket for the West Indies during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Born on December 11, 1954, in Barbados. From a young age, he exhibited exceptional talent in cricket. His raw pace and aggression on the field set him apart from other players. The 6,2” tall fast bowler embarks on his journey to international cricket with impressive performances in domestic matches, grabbing selectors' attention. His ability to generate bounce and pace made him a formidable opponent. Sylvester Clarke’s domestic records include numerous five-wicket hauls, showcasing his dominance in the regional cricket circuit.
Sylvester Clarke made his international debut against Australia at Georgetown in 1978. His arrival on the international stage was nothing short of spectacular. Clarke's fiery bowling in his debut series against Australia troubled even the best batsmen. He quickly established himself as a key player in the West Indies bowling attack, known for his aggressive style and lethal bouncers.
One of Clarke’s most memorable performances came during the 1979 World Series Cricket. He was instrumental in West Indies' victory, taking crucial wickets at vital moments. Clarke’s ability to deliver key performances in pressure situations was a testament to his skill and mental toughness. His performance in the series is still remembered as one of the finest by a fast bowler.
Sylvester Clarke is remembered as one of the most fearsome fast bowlers of his era, contributing significantly to the legacy of West Indies cricket.
Alan Kourie recalls that Clarke, during the unofficial West Indies 1983 rebel tour, recorded speeds between 98 mph and 101 mph by two South African police officers testing out a new automobile speed radar gun who was present at Johannesburg ground.
Despite his success, Clarke’s career was not without challenges. He faced numerous injuries that kept him out of the game for extended periods of time. Additionally, his aggressive behavior on the field sometimes led to controversies. Clarke’s infamous argument with an Australian fan during a test match is one of such incident that highlighted his fiery temperament.
Another incident happened in Pakistan when he was involved in an unfortunate incident in the final Test at Multan that brought him a two-match suspension for the subsequent home series against England. Showered with a volley of oranges and bottles from the crowd, he reacted by tossing back a brick, used as a boundary marker. It struck and seriously injured a student leader on the stand.
Clarke’s impact on West Indies cricket is undeniable. He was part of a legendary fast-bowling quartet that dominated world cricket in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Clarke’s aggression and skill inspired a generation of fast bowlers. His legacy lives on in the archives of cricket history, celebrated for his contributions to the game.
It was not that he relied on only pace and bounce. Once the
