Former West Indies and Jamaica spinner Reginald Scarlett has died a day before his 85th birthday after losing a battle with illness.
Reg, as he was affectionately known, had a brief career for the West Indies, playing three Tests, but he made a significant contribution to the development of players following his retirement from the game in 1960.
After settling in England, he spent 15 years coaching there and played minor league cricket before returning to Jamaica to oversee the youth development programme of the Jamaica Cricket Association.
Scarlett returned to England four years later and put his energy into grassroots development and was the brain behind the Haringey Cricket College, which produced several leading county and Test players for England.
He subsequently returned to the Caribbean and became the first director of coaching of the West Indies Cricket Board, now CWI, wherein he supported Dr Rudi Webster and he was instrumental in the establishment of the Shell Cricket Academy on the campus of the St George’s University in Grenada.
Scarlett was a true stalwart who never stopped loving West Indies cricket while he lived in England. He served the game selflessly, both on and off the field, until he retired in Grenada several years ago and continued to make his input into cricket development.
CWI president Ricky Skerritt has sent out condolences to his family.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of CWI, we extend sincere condolences to his wife Trish and immediate family and may the care and love of those around them provide comfort and peace to get them through this difficult time,” Skerritt said in a statement.