Alexander remembered as humble, multi-faceted

BY SANJAY MYERS Observer staff reporter

Sunday, May 08, 2011

"REMARKABLE and multi-faceted" and one blessed with "humility" were some of the words used by Jackie Hendriks in bidding farewell to former Jamaica and West Indies captain Franz 'Gerry' Alexander at the Saints Peter & Paul Church two Saturdays ago.

During his wholehearted tribute to his friend, mentor and former schoolmate, Hendriks highlighted Alexander's commitment, not only to sport, but to his chosen profession of veterinary medicine.

"Franz Copeland Murray Alexander was a remarkable and multi-faceted person... he was recognised for his expertise, his attention to detail and was described by those with whom he came in contact as a perfect gentleman," Hendriks said.

Hendriks told family members and well-wishers the former Wolmer's Boys' Head Boy was an inspiration to him and many others, while excelling at cricket, football, hockey, track and boxing.

Among the congregation at the service were Pat Rousseau, former president of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB); Easton McMorris, former Jamaica captain, and current national players Wavell Hinds and Simon Jackson. Also present were members of the Kingston Cricket Club, members of the veterinary community and members of the Wolmer's fraternity.

Hendriks announced that Alexander has been awarded The Noble Spirit Award by the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Committee for espousing values, principles and leadership which distinguished Worrell.

A graduate of Cambridge University, Alexander represented that institution at both cricket and football.

After being called to the 1957 West Indies' tour of England, Alexander was later appointed captain for the home series against Pakistan.

At a time of impassioned disagreement in West Indies cricket and society regarding colour and class, Alexander led the team in 18 Tests with considerable success, and was the last of the categorised "white" West Indian captains.

Sir Frank Worrell, who was considered "black" was subsequently named captain for the acclaimed 1960-61 tour of Australia, following an intense media campaign to have Alexander replaced.

During that epic tour Down Under, Alexander played in all five Test matches and made 484 runs at 60.50. His performances included an outstanding 108 in the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which remained his only first-class century. He also made 60 in the first innings at the Gabba in Brisbane in the famous tied Test.

Also a former Wolmer's Boys', Jamaica and West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman, Hendriks recalls that the great Australian Sir Donald Bradman spoke to Alexander after that knock.

"Gerry was congratulated by Sir Donald Bradman for his innings of 60, but Gerry, who had one of his rare lapses behind the wicket said 'I would have preferred to have made nought and taken that catch."

"Bradman replied, 'No, no Gerry... that's not the way to look at things. You must make all the runs and then take all the catches'. Gerry never forgot that advice," he said.

Alexander played 25 Test matches and scored 961 runs for an average of 30.03 per innings. He had 85 catches and five stumpings.

He died last month at age 82 after suffering a suspected heart attack.