Ramadhin grieves for spin partner Valentine

EX-WEST INDIES mystery bowler Sonny Ramadhin was shocked and distressed on hearing of the death of his “pal” Alfred Valentine. The 75-year-old Ramadhin, together with Valentine had wreaked havoc among batsmen throughout the world after making a name for themselves on the 1950 tour of England. “I was shocked and deeply hurt when I heard about his death on the television news. It hit me hard, real hard.”

Valentine died a week ago at his Florida home after a long illness. Ramadhin recently spoke to Ashton Ford, Information Attache of the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission in London. The Trinidadian and Jamaican cricketers were friends for over 50 years having played together from the time they were just 20-years-old. Speaking from his Lancashire home Ramadhin said: “Only two weeks ago I  spoke with Val but I did not know he was ill.” He said the Jamaican Cricket Board had asked him to accept an award on Val’s behalf at a function where both of them were to be honoured. Ramadhin said he was forced to turn down the invitation because of personal illness. He suffers with diabetes. Ramadhin recalled both Val and himself were roommates for ten years when they played for the West Indies.

He said the most memorable moment for him was the very first Test series win over England in 1950 in England. He recalled Val took 33 wickets and he got 23 in series. Ramadhin said they remained friends long after their careers ended and every year would send each other Christmas cards. He said he has made an unsuccessful attempt to contact Val’s wife Jackie to express his grief for his friend “who cannot be replaced.” On a personal note, Ramadhin spoke about his 20-year-old grandson Kyle Hogg, an allrounder who plays for Lancashire County. Ramadhin said he keeps active by playing golf at least once a week.