Elquemedo Tonito Willett MBE (born 1 May 1953) is a former West Indian international cricketer who played in five Test matches in 1973 and 1974.

Elquemedo Willett
Personal information
Born (1953-05-01) 1 May 1953 (age 71)
Charlestown, Nevis
BattingLeft-handed
BowlingSlow left-arm orthodox
International information
National side
Test debut9 March 1973 v Australia
Last Test27 December 1974 v India
Domestic team information
YearsTeam
1970/71–1988/89Leeward Islands
Career statistics
Competition Test First-class
Matches 5 98
Runs scored 74 1,100
Batting average 14.80 12.94
100s/50s 0/0 0/1
Top score 26 56
Balls bowled 1,326 21,515
Wickets 11 286
Bowling average 43.81 28.43
5 wickets in innings 0 10
10 wickets in match 0 3
Best bowling 3/33 8/73
Catches/stumpings 0/– 66/–
Source: CricInfo, 10 September 2022

He made his first-class debut for Leeward Islands in 1970–71 at the age of 17, and played his last match in the 1988–89 season. He took 8 for 73 (his best innings figures) and 3 for 44 for the West Indians against Glamorgan in 1973.

During New Zealand's tour of the West Indies in 1972, Willett was considered the best of the many left-arm finger-spinners the New Zealanders faced.[1]

Willett's nephew Stuart Williams has played many Tests and ODIs for the West Indies. His sons, Tonito and Akito Willett also play first-class cricket.

In July 2010, Nevis's primary sporting venue, Grove Park, was renamed Elquemedo Willett Park in his honour. The renaming ceremony was a major event for the island, with several members of the island's administration participating, including the Premier of Nevis, Joseph Parry.[2]

Willett was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to sport.[3]

References

edit
  1. ^ Cameron, D. (1974) Caribbean Crusade, Readers Union, Newton Abbott, p. 40
  2. ^ "Grove Park Renamed in Cricketer’s Honour" Archived 2015-05-19 at the Wayback Machine – Nevis Island Administration. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
  3. ^ "No. 61807". The London Gazette (Supplement). 31 December 2016. p. N54.
edit