Monday 5 March 2012

RUNAKO MORTON KILLED IN CAR CRASH


PictureRunako Morton: Died following a car crash in Trinidad.
West Indies cricket was in shock after the death in a car crash of former international batsman Runako Morton.
The 33-year-old was the sole occupant in a vehicle which crashed in central Trinidad.
Morton, who last played for his country two years ago, is thought to have been making his way home from a match late on Sunday night when the accident happened.
He won 15 Test caps, 56 in one-day internationals and played in all three formats for the West Indies.
Former team-mates Wavell Hinds, Dwayne Bravo and one-time West Indies captain Chris Gayle were among those to pay tribute to Morton on Twitter - as did the West Indies Cricket Board, in the first instance.
WICB president Dr Julian Hunte described the impact of Morton's death on all those associated with West Indies cricket.
"Runako's passing, still in the prime of life, leaves us all in shock," he said.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as we all try to come to terms with his loss.
"He will be remembered as a fierce competitor on the field who gave no quarter whether he was playing for West Indies, Leeward Islands, Nevis or Trinidad and Tobago."
An earlier WICB tweet read: "Our deepest condolences to Runako Morton's family. Such devastating and tragic news."
Hinds said on Twitter: "Gone far too soon brother Runako.
"I will treasure the great memories for sure. RIP. God knows best."
Gayle was also moved to voice his feelings on Twitter.
He wrote: "We lost a True Warrior WI Cricketer Runako Morton - May (h)is soul rest in peace!
"Our memories together Live On! My Condolences to his Family :("
England batsman Kevin Pietersen expressed his shock and sadness at the news on Twitter. He said: "My thoughts go out to Runako Morton's family this morning... Such sad news!! What a lovely guy & fierce competitor!! RIP bossman!!!'
Morton, one of the few players to represent West Indies from the tiny island of Nevis, scored 573 Test runs at an average of 22.03 and 1519 in ODIs at 33.75.
He made his international debut in an ODI against Pakistan in 2002, scoring 16 in a losing cause, but was then left out of the Champions Trophy squad after lying about the death of his grandmother.
His Test debut followed against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2005, and he made his maiden ODI hundred against New Zealand a year later.
Morton failed to cement a regular place in the side in any format, however, in what will be viewed an unfulfilled career.
He died three days after the sixth anniversary of that first international century - 110 against New Zealand in Napier.

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