Walsh, Garner inducted into Hall of Fame

BANGALORE, India (CMC):

West Indies fast bowling greats Courtney Walsh and Joel Garner have been inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

In a ceremony yesterday evening that was part of the ICC awards, Walsh and Garner were two of four icons receiving their commemorative caps from ICC chief executive, Haroon Lorgat.

Legendary Indian spinner, Bishan Bedi, and England's Rachael Heyhoe Flint were the other cricketers to be honoured.

Walsh, who ended his career as the highest West Indies wicket-taker with 519 scalps in 132 Tests, said he was humbled by the honour.

"The most memorable part of my career was hearing my named called for the first time for West Indies and I'm honoured to have been named in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame," said the 47-year-old Jamaican, who operates the popular New Kingston sports bar and grill, Cuddy'z.

"I am humbled and I am very happy to keep the West Indies flag flying and to have played my part in West Indies cricket."

259 wickets

Garner, meanwhile, raked in 259 wickets from 58 Tests at a miserly average of 20.97.

The Barbadian was part of the 1979 World Cup-winning West Indies side, with his five for 39 in the final against England remaining the best performance by a bowler in a final.

"The best part of cricket is to keep loving the game of bowling and the game of cricket and I'm honoured to receive this award," said Garner, who is a West Indies Cricket Board director.

"This is one of the greatest awards I have received. It is not just for me but for the people I represented. I also want to thank people I played with for helping me to reap success."

Already, 12 West Indians have been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.