Desmond Haynes

Desmond Haynes, a name synonymous with cricketing excellence, represents an era of dominance and flair in West Indian cricket. Born in the picturesque Holders Hill district of Barbados on February 15, 1956, Haynes grew up in a community where cricket was a cultural mainstay, although his immediate family did not have a tradition in the sport. This article delves into the life and career of Desmond Haynes, exploring his ascent from a young, passionate cricketer to one of the most celebrated openers in international cricket. This article aims to capture the essence of Haynes’ career, his personal life, and his lasting legacy in the world of cricket. From his early days playing in Barbadian schools to his exploits on the international stage, and his roles beyond playing, Haynes’ story is a compelling narrative of talent, perseverance, and dedication to cricket​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.

Batting Career Summary

Bowling Career Summary

Career Information

Test debut vs Australia at Queen’s Park Oval, Mar 03, 1978

Last Test vs England at Kensington Oval, Apr 08, 1994

ODI debut vs Australia at Antigua Recreation Ground, Feb 22, 1978

Last ODI vs England at Queen’s Park Oval, Mar 05, 1994

Biography of Desmond Haynes

Desmond Haynes, born on February 15, 1956, in Holder’s Hill, St. James, Barbados, is a revered figure in the world of cricket, known for his remarkable skills as an opening batsman. His cricket journey began in a community where cricket was a strong cultural element, and despite lacking a family tradition in the sport, Haynes excelled and made an indelible mark in international cricket. Haynes’ international career with the West Indies spanned from 1978 to 1994, during which he played 116 Test matches and 238 One-Day Internationals (ODIs). He was particularly known for his formidable opening partnership with Gordon Greenidge, contributing significantly to the West Indies team’s success, especially in the 1980s. This partnership featured 16 century stands, four of which exceeded 200 runs, making them one of the most successful opening pairs in cricket history. In Test cricket, Haynes accumulated 7,487 runs at an average of 42.29, with his highest Test innings being 184 runs. In ODIs, he was a prolific scorer, finishing his career with 8,648 runs at an average of 41.37, including 17 centuries and 57 fifties. Notably, Haynes holds the distinction of scoring a century on his ODI debut. He also has the unique achievement of carrying his bat through an innings in Tests three times and is the only player to bat through both innings of a Test. Beyond his playing career, Haynes continued to contribute to the sport in various capacities. After retiring in 1997, he served as Chairman of Selectors for the Barbados Cricket Association, President of Carlton Cricket Club, Secretary of the West Indies Players Association, and as a Director of the West Indies Cricket Board. His contributions to cricket have been recognized through his induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2021. Desmond Haynes’ legacy in cricket is not just limited to his statistics and records. He is remembered for his resilience and adaptability, particularly his development into a strong player against slow bowling, despite initially struggling against spin. His performances in county cricket, especially for Middlesex, further attest to his versatility and skill as a batsman. Haynes’ biography, “Lion of Barbados”, aptly named after his middle name ‘Leo’, celebrates his journey and achievements in the cricketing world. His story is one of dedication, skill, and an enduring love for the game of cricket​​​​​​​​​​​​.

Career

Desmond Haynes, a Barbadian cricketing legend, carved out a distinguished career that spanned over 16 years from 1978 to 1994, making him one of the most accomplished cricketers of his time. He began his international journey with the West Indies cricket team, quickly establishing himself as a formidable opening batsman. Haynes’ Test career was marked by consistency and resilience, playing a total of 116 Test matches in which he scored 7,487 runs at an average of 42.29. His highest Test score was a remarkable 184 runs against England in 1984. In One-Day Internationals (ODIs), he was even more prolific, amassing 8,648 runs in 238 matches at an average of 41.37. This tally included 17 centuries and 57 fifties, with his best score being an unbeaten 152. A significant highlight of his career was his opening partnership with fellow Barbadian Gordon Greenidge. Together, they formed one of the most successful opening pairs in cricket history, contributing significantly to the West Indies’ dominance in the 1980s. This partnership featured 16 century stands, including four that exceeded 200 runs. Haynes was also known for his versatility and adaptability. Initially, he struggled against spin bowling, but he worked hard to overcome this weakness and later became adept at playing slow bowling. His performance against Australia in 1989, where he scored 75 and 143 on a challenging Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) pitch, stands testament to his improved skills against spin. His excellence wasn’t confined to international cricket alone. Haynes also had a successful career in English county cricket, playing for Middlesex. In county cricket, he played 95 first-class games, scoring 7,071 runs at an average of 49.1. His best score in county cricket was an unbeaten 255 against Sussex. He was awarded his Middlesex cap in 1989 and continued to play for them until 1994. Following his retirement, Haynes remained an active figure in the cricketing world. He took up several administrative roles, including serving as the Chairman of Selectors for the Barbados Cricket Association, President of Carlton Cricket Club, and a Director of the West Indies Cricket Board. His contributions to the sport have been recognized through various honors, including his induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2021. Desmond Haynes’ career is a story of dedication, skill, and an unwavering passion for cricket, making him a celebrated figure in the sport’s history​​​​​​​​​​​​.

Playing style

Desmond Haynes, hailing from Barbados, is a celebrated figure in the realm of international cricket, renowned for his remarkable career as an opening batsman. His cricketing journey spanned from 1978 to 1994, during which he left an indelible mark in both Test and One-Day International (ODI) formats. In Test cricket, Haynes’ statistics are a testament to his consistency and skill. He played 116 Test matches, amassing 7,487 runs at an average of 42.29. This impressive record includes a personal best of 184 runs in a single innings. His prowess was equally evident in the ODI format, where he played 238 matches and scored 8,648 runs at an average of 41.37. This tally includes 17 centuries and 57 half-centuries, with his highest ODI score being an unbeaten 152. Haynes is particularly renowned for his partnership with Gordon Greenidge. Together, they formed one of the most formidable opening pairs in the history of cricket. Their collaboration resulted in 16 century stands, including four that exceeded 200 runs, contributing significantly to the West Indies’ cricket team’s success, particularly in the 1980s. Beyond his international exploits, Haynes also excelled in English county cricket, representing Middlesex. In county cricket, he played 95 first-class games, amassing 7,071 runs at an average of 49.1, with a top score of 255 not out against Sussex. He was awarded his Middlesex cap in 1989, a recognition of his contributions to the team. After retiring from active play, Haynes continued to be involved in cricket through various administrative roles. He served as Chairman of Selectors for the Barbados Cricket Association, President of the Carlton Cricket Club, and a Director of the West Indies Cricket Board. His post-retirement contributions were recognized with an induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2021. Desmond Haynes’ career in cricket was characterized by his adaptability and resilience. He initially struggled against spin bowling but evolved to become a formidable player against slow bowling. His ability to adapt and excel in different conditions and formats of the game underlines his status as one of the greats of West Indian cricket. Haynes’ journey from a humble beginning in Barbados to international cricket stardom reflects his dedication, skill, and passion for the game. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring cricketers and cricket enthusiasts around the world​​​​​​​​​​​​.

Desmond Haynes Family

Desmond Haynes, born on February 15, 1956, in the Holders Hill district of Barbados, grew up as the eldest of three brothers. Interestingly, there was no cricket-playing tradition in his family, but Haynes was drawn to the sport due to its strong cultural presence in his area and in West Indian high schools. His early exposure to cricket in the Barbados Under-15 schools competition set the stage for his future success in the sport. Regarding his personal life, information about Haynes’ family, particularly his immediate family like parents, siblings, or children, is not widely available or detailed in public records. However, it is known that he is married to Elen Clarke Haynes. The couple has maintained a low profile, keeping their personal life away from the public eye. After an illustrious cricketing career, Haynes transitioned to various roles in cricket administration and coaching. He also explored other interests, with golf being a noted hobby of his. Additionally, Haynes’ contributions to cricket and his journey have been chronicled in a biography titled “Lion of Barbados,” co-authored with Robert Steen. Haynes’ journey from a young boy in Barbados to an internationally renowned cricketer is a testament to his dedication and love for the sport, transcending the lack of a cricketing background in his family. His story is an inspiration, showing how passion and hard work can lead to great achievements, even in the absence of traditional family heritage in a particular field.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Desmond Haynes’ story is one of remarkable achievement and lasting impact in the world of cricket. Born into a family without a cricketing background, Haynes rose through the ranks to become one of the most accomplished batsmen of his era. His career with the West Indies, marked by a formidable partnership with Gordon Greenidge and numerous records, is a testament to his skill, determination, and adaptability. Haynes’ contributions extended beyond the cricket field, as he ventured into various administrative roles, including serving as the Chairman of Selectors for the Barbados Cricket Association and a Director of the West Indies Cricket Board. His induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2021 acknowledges his exceptional contributions to the sport. Off the field, Haynes’ personal life, characterized by a passion for golf and a private family life, reflects the humility and dedication of a man who has always let his achievements speak for themselves. His biography, “Lion of Barbados,” co-authored with Robert Steen, offers insight into the journey of this cricketing legend. Desmond Haynes’ legacy in cricket is not just a record of runs scored or matches won, but a story of inspiring a generation of cricketers and cricket enthusiasts worldwide. His journey from the fields of Barbados to the pinnacle of international cricket embodies the spirit of perseverance and excellence​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.