Joe Solomon

Solomon was born in Port Mourant, Berbice, British Guiana (now Guyana). He is the only player in first-class cricket history to score hundreds in his first three innings, for British Guiana in 1956–57 and 1957–58.[1] He was selected to tour India in 1958–59 with the West Indies team. He was successful in the Test series, scoring a century in the Fifth Test at Delhi and finishing with 351 runs at an average of 117.00.[2][3]

He was less successful in later series, but he often batted steadily when the need was greatest.[4] He also bowled occasional leg-breaks, but was best known as a brilliant fieldsman. In the first Tied Test in 1960, his throw from square-leg hit the stumps directly to run out Ian Meckiff, who was going for the winning run. In the next Test, he was out hit wicket after his cap fell on the stumps.[5] He toured England in 1963 and 1966.

He played first-class cricket for British Guiana/Guyana from 1956–57 to 1968–69. His highest first-class score was 201 not out for Berbice against the touring MCC in March 1960, when he added an unbroken partnership of 290 with Basil Butcher.[6]

Solomon continued to serve Guyanese cricket in various capacities after his retirement from playing, including the presidency of the Guyana Cricket Board and several years as a selector. He was awarded the Golden Arrow of Achievement by the government of Guyana.[7] He and his wife Betty had six children.[7] He has lived in New York since 1984, travelling back to Guyana once a year.[5] He is the oldest living West Indies Test cricketer.[8]

• Joe Solomon at ESPNcricinfo

• Clem Seecharan, Joe Solomon and the Spirit of Port Mourant (2022)