| Demonstrative and volatile are two appropriate | | | | when the West Indies had quality fast bowlers in |
| adjectives to describe the former West Indies and | | | | reserve. It was likely that his abrasive nature rubbed |
| Guyana fast bowler, Colin Croft. He was part of the | | | | West Indian cricket authorities the wrong way as well. |
| West Indian pace quartet that dominated batsmen in | | | | Croft managed the play only 25 Tests, but made good |
| the late 70s and 80s and was arguably the angriest | | | | use of them. He grabbed 125 wickets from those 25 |
| fast bowler of the lot. | | | | Tests at a fantastic average of 23.30. In only 19 |
| Born in Demarara, Guyana on March 15th, 1953, Colin | | | | one-day internationals, he took 30 wickets, with a |
| Everton Hunte Croft developed into one of the most | | | | miserly economy rate of 3.47. |
| hostile fast bowlers to have played for the West | | | | Croft's aggression was a hallmark of his play. |
| Indies. It was ironic that Croft's parents named him | | | | According to Cricinfo's Mike Selvey, "Occasionally his |
| after two prolific West Indian batsmen of an earlier | | | | volatility and enthusiasm often got him into trouble". |
| era- Everton Weekes and Conrad Hunte. He seemed | | | | One infamous incident occurred on the 1980/81 tour of |
| to hate batsmen with a passion. | | | | New Zealand, when Croft- after being annoyed by the |
| Colin Croft made his First class debut for Guyana in | | | | decisions and actions of umpire Fred Goodall- |
| the 1971/72 domestic season. Five years passed | | | | appeared to barge into Goodall during his (Croft's) |
| before he wore West Indian colours. Colin Croft and | | | | run-up. Naturally, 'Crofty' denies that it was deliberate to |
| Joel Garner made their debut in that match- against | | | | this day. |
| Pakistan at Bridgetown in 1977. Croft took the new ball | | | | Like many West Indian fast bowlers at that time, Croft |
| and prized out seven batsmen in that match, although | | | | was active on the English County circuit. Croft played |
| the West Indies barely managed to hold on for a draw | | | | for Lancashire- the only First class team that he |
| in the end. Croft had an integral role in securing the | | | | played for other than Guyana and the West Indies. |
| draw-in a vital last-wicket partnership with Andy | | | | Croft ended his involvement in competitive cricket |
| Roberts. | | | | during the 1983/84 season. He is now a cricket |
| Croft's international career was surprisingly short. | | | | commentator and is every bit as abrasive and |
| Perhaps he was unfortunate to play cricket at a time | | | | demonstrative as he was in his playing days. |