Cricket Board mourns Carl Furlonge

He was 83 years old. Furlonge was laid to rest yesterday following a funeral service at St Andrew’s RC Church, Petit Valley. Furlonge represented Trinidad and Tobago at cricket between 1953 and 1961, making an auspicious First Class debut against the touring Indian team, taking five catches in that match.

The dapper left-handed batsman, who bowled spin right-handed, was born in Fyzabad, south Trinidad but represented North in the annual inter- zone Beaumont Cup Classics.

He was a constant fixture on the national team for close to a decade playing against the then British Guiana, Jamaica and Barbados.

He also made a significant contribution to Maple Cricket Club, where after his playing days, he spent much time in helping young cricketers develop their talent in the game.

In retirement he also opened a store selling sports equipment.

Apart from playing against the touring Indians, he also turned out for Trinidad and Tobago against Australia, and the Marylebone Cricket Club, the oldest active cricket club in the world whose headquarters is at Lord’s in London.

Furlonge played a total of 15 matches for his country and scored 551 runs at an average of 22.95, with three half-centuries.

His best effort was an agonising 99.

Azim Bassarath, president of the TT CB said that Furlonge represented what was best in the game despite not having the facilities, support systems and lucrative incentives that are now readily available.

“It was his natural talent, coupled with his dedication to doing his best that elevated him to the highest level of local cricket, and which afforded him the opportunity to represent his country throughout the Caribbean,” said Bassarath.

Furlonge had two younger brothers who played cricket: Hammond who got two caps for the West Indies, and the youngest Kenneth, also played for the national team.

His son David is currently the coach of Queen’s Park, one of the most successful clubs in local cricket.