Cricket West Indies (CWI) today praised Vivalyn Latty-Scott who passed away sadly on Saturday.
Latty-Scott, a pioneer of women’s cricket, was part of the first team in the West Indies to play a women’s test match against Australia in 1976, a coach at every stage of the game as well as an umpire. For many, she was an inspirational leader of the sport in Jamaica.
During her career, she played 10 test matches and six one-day internationals where the first one was a West Indian woman who scored five wikis in a Test test – 5/48 off 41 overs on her first trip against Australia in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Players of the game in the past and today praised Anne Browne-John, CWI’s Chief Selector for women’s cricket, recalling, ““ When I started as captain, ‘Latty’ was one of the top members of the first women’s team in the West Indies and excelled with bat and ball. “
“When I put the ball in her hand I was confident she would produce good figures and she was never disappointed. She was passionate about the game and was always aware of the statistics and what she was up to. When the history of women ‘s cricket is updated, Vivalyn must be mentioned among the outstanding players, ”said Browne-John.
Stafanie Taylor, the most successful women’s captain and most successful female player in West Indian history was also praised.
“I have known this amazing woman since I went on my first trip with the Jamaica team and she was very helpful to me. She set a path in women’s cricket and played a very important role in my development and encouraged many young cricketers in Jamaica to play the game and excel. We all loved her. ”
She has left a legacy that is and will continue to permeate every stage of the game – boys, girls, men and women – her impact has been great.