Keith Boyce – The Unsung Hero
Keith Boyce was born at St Peter in Barbados. He studied at Coleridge and Parry School and started as a leg spinner. He played with Everton Weekes, Seymour Nurse, and Charlie Griffith at a young age. Boyce was a fantastic athlete. He switched to medium fast bowling and was known for his hard-hitting as well. He made his first-class debut against International Cavaliers in February 1965. Boyce scored quick-fire 55 and took two wickets in the match.
Embed from Getty ImagesCounty Cricket:
In 1966, Boyce joined Essex. Frank Rist was the coach of the Essex team. Rist told, Boyce was the first to arrive and last to leave the practice session. He took 9 wickets in his first match against Cambridge University. Boyce claimed 8 wickets against Lancashire at Old Trafford in 1971 and became the first bowler to take eight wickets in a List A match. Boyce was awarded the Wetherall Award for the leading all-rounder in English first-class cricket. He played for Essex till 1977.
International Debut:
Keith Boyce made his international debut against India in 1971. His best performance came against England at Oval in 1973. Boyce took 5 wickets in the first innings and 6 in the second. He was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1974.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Unsung Hero of 1975 World Cup Final:
Clive Lloyd’s heroic 102 run innings stole the limelight of 1975 world cup final. However, Boyce all-round contribution added a significant value in the winning script. He made a rapid 34 of 37 balls and helped West Indies to reach 291. He also took 4 crucial wickets and broke the backbone of Australia’s batting.
Retirement and Struggle:
Boyce had to retire early due to Knee injury. He had a troubled life post retirement and became addicted to alcohol. Boyce separated from his wife due to personal behavior. His financial condition deteriorated drastically. He suffered from chronic cirrhosis of liver and died on his 53rd birthday on 11 October 1996.