Joint statement by the President of the West Indies Cricket Board, (WICB), the Hon. Pat Rousseau, and the WICB's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gregory Shillingford, on Courtney Walsh's announcement of his retirement from Test cricket.

"The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) wishes to salute the supreme contribution of one of the icons of West Indies and international cricket, Ambassador Courtney Andrew Walsh, who has announced his intention to retire from Test cricket after the fifth and final Cable & Wireless Test match versus South Africa.

He has been one of the greatest ambassadors for the West Indies and for the game and is loved, admired and respected world-wide, both for his wicket-taking prowess and for his affable personality. The field of play will not be the same without this veteran fast bowler who has proudly worn the maroon cap for 17 years, since making his Test debut against Australia in 1984. However, memories of his myriad achievements will warm the hearts of fans forever, including those who have played against him.

We in the West Indies are truly blessed to count him among our most famous and most revered cricketing sons. His accomplishments, particularly the recently unprecedented attainment of 500 Test wickets, are feats that can only be described in superlative terms.

Yet, it is not just Walsh's achievements which have confirmed his place in the annals of the game but the manner in which he has achieved and the manner in which he has embraced success.

His dedication and commitment to excellence - never giving less than his best; his attitude and team spirit, his attention to fitness and his belief in fair play - are fine qualities which young sports persons would do well to adopt. Throughout his illustrious career, he has remained humble, approachable and has often given his time and experience for worthy social sciences, especially those relating to children.

There can be no finer role model for West Indian youth than Ambassador Courtney Andrew Walsh, the world record holder for the most Test wickets and a legend in his own time.

On this the occasion of his farewell Test appearance - fittingly before his home crowd at Sabina Park - the WICB takes the opportunity to thank him for his stellar and unstinting service to the West Indies team and to world cricket. We wish him well in this match and beyond as he looks forward to a well deserved retirement."

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