ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC) - Another accolade has been bestowed on former West Indies' player Ridley Jacobs as he was named among 16 people to receive national awards yesterday, on the occasion of the country's 24th anniversary of Independence.

The left-handed wicketkeeper batsman, who in August was named to the Sticky Wicket West Indies Cricket Hall of Fame, was accorded the Order of Merit, the nation's second highest award.

Jacobs retired from the international game in April after representing the Windies in 65 Tests, scoring 2 577 runs at an average of 28.31. He made three centuries and 14 half-centuries.

He excelled with the gloves taking 217 catches and 12 stumpings. In One Day Internationals, Jacobs recorded 1 865 runs in 147 games with 80 not out as a top score.

He averaged 23.32, scored nine half-centuries and held 160 catches. At the first class level, he recorded 7 518 runs in 157 matches while striking 17 hundreds and 40 half-centuries. He averaged 38.75. He held 443 catches and had 33 stumpings.

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