Former Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies batsman Larry Gomes said yesterday that it is nice to be remembered, after your playing days are over.
He made the comments at an official ceremony held in his honour by the University of the West Indies (UWI), at the Sir Frank Worrell cricket ground at St Augustine.
Gomes received a plaque and a cheque from UWI as a mark of respect for his contribution to cricket in the West Indies. He follows a long list of former West Indies cricketers who have been honoured by UWI. Among them are Sir Viv Richards, Gus Logie, Gordon Greenidge, Jeffrey Dujon, Desmond Haynes, Joel Garner, Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall, Andy Roberts, Richie Richardson, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Jimmy Adams, Ian Bishop, Ridley Jacobs, Roger Harper and Irving Shillingford.
Gomes in his appreciation speech said: "As a past international cricketer, it is always nice to be remembered on occasion and I was very humbled and appreciative, when I was told that I would be recognized this morning.
"I was honoured and privileged to play 60 Tests for West Indies and though my record may not bear statistical comparison with the likes of Brian Lara or Sachin Tendulkar, I hope that I played the role that was required of me with reasonable success."
Gomes who played 60 Test matches for the West Indies scored 3,171 runs with nine centuries and a highest score of 143.
The Arima resident continued: "Cricket certainly opened many doors, not the least of which was to meet countless wonderful individuals all over the world and to travel to amazing countries that most people only dream about. I know I am a very lucky guy.
"My wife, children and large family network have supported me through thick and thin throughout the years, and I view today's short ceremony as a tribute to their ongoing encouragement which allowed me to fulfill my cricketing dream."