Ridley Jacobs – West Indies Wicket Guardian

Ridley Detamore Jacobs, a rather short, stocky, broad-shouldered man, was not the archetypal doorman. He looked a bit clumsy behind the stumps, but was generally considered a competent porthole keeper. Jacobs was born in Swetes Village, Antigua, on November 26, 1967. He had to wait 31 years before making his test debut on the ill-fated West Indies tour of South Africa in 1998.

Although he had to wait for the right moment for several years to make his international debut for the West Indies, Jacobs remained in that role until 2004. After Jeffery Dujon’s retirement in 1991, the Caribbean side tried a few goalkeepers before relying on Jacobs. . The wicket maintenance duties revolved primarily around Courtney Browne and Junior Murray between 1992 and 1998.

Jacobs also appeared to be a somewhat awkward and limited hitter. He still knew how to play some shots. Out of 65 test matches for the Caribbean side, Jacobs racked up 2,577 runs with an average of 28.31. His batting average is moderate, but the fact that he had a strike rate of 47 paints a better picture. Overall, the robust wicketkeeper can be relied upon to score 28 runs in each inning and occupy the fold for approximately 58 balls. In an era of decadence, this came in handy.

Jacobs was often called “trustworthy.” He played at a time when West Indies hitting collapses were a common sight. By hitting No. 7, Jacobs usually made the most of the tail. It was good enough to get 14 half centuries of proof and 3 hundred valuable proofs. In the game’s ODI format, Jacobs scored 1,865 runs averaging 23.31 in 127 games. He was used to opening batting in the ODI way of the game. Ridley’s aggressive (but selective) hitting gave the regional team more stability at the top of the order.

Domestically, Ridley Jacobs scored many runs at an average batters would be proud of. Jacobs sacked 7,518 runs with a good 38.75 average at First Class level. This included 40 half centuries and 17 centuries. Jacobs made his first class debut with the Leeward Islands in the 1991/1992 season. He last played first-class cricket in the 2005 season and also represented his native Antigua at the inaugural Stanford 20/20 tournament in 2006.

Although Jacob’s batting technique was often good enough, like his wicket maintenance, he was susceptible to good spinning bowls. However, her consistency and heart were her strengths. Among West Indies teammates who often seemed indifferent and lazy, the soft-spoken elder was diligent and proud. His was a quiet confidence that helped mitigate the devastating results suffered by the regional team since their debut in 1998.