Happy birthday Maurice Foster

Maurice Foster of Jamaica played 14 Tests for the West Indies during the early 1970s, though the team managed to win only one of those matches — the memorable victory at Lord’s in 1973. A patient and determined batsman, Foster enjoyed a strong first-class career, scoring 6,731 runs at an average of 45.17, even if he never quite found the same success at Test level.

One of the finest moments of his international career came in 1973, when he scored his only Test century on his home ground in Jamaica against Australia. He also bowled useful off-spin, taking 132 wickets in first-class cricket, though his bowling was less effective in the Test arena.

While his international numbers may not fully reflect his ability, Maurice Foster remains a respected figure from an important era of West Indies cricket. As he turns 83 today, here’s wishing the former West Indies cricketer a very happy birthday.