Charlie Davis

In just 15 Test appearances for West Indies, Charlie Davis carved out numbers that spoke of a batsman operating at the peak of his powers. He scored 1,301 runs at a remarkable average of 54.20, punctuated by four centuries that hinted at a long international future waiting to unfold.

The finest of those hundreds was an elegant 183 against New Zealand in Bridgetown in 1972. On that occasion, Davis stitched together a majestic 254-run partnership with Garry Sobers, a stand that showcased his patience, control, and ability to dominate an attack without excess risk. Around the same period, he had been virtually immovable during the 1970–71 home series against India, averaging an astonishing 132.25 and looking every bit a cornerstone of the batting order.

And yet, cricket can be cruel in its timing. Despite another strong domestic season, Davis somehow lost his place during the 1972–73 series against Australia, featuring only in the final two Tests. Soon after, he drifted away from the international game—not through loss of form, but through the vagaries of selection and circumstance. West Indies cricket was in a phase of transition, and Davis found himself peaking just as new faces were forcing their way into the side.

More than just a stylish batsman, he was also a sharp fielder and a handy seam-bowling option—an all-round contributor whose international career never truly reflected his ability.

As he turns 82 today, here’s wishing Charlie Davis a very happy birthday, and remembering a West Indies cricketer whose brilliance deserved a longer stay on the biggest stage.