Lance Gibbs

Lancelot Richard Gibbs, commonly known as Lance Gibbs, was a legendary cricket player from the West Indies who left an indelible mark on the sport with his extraordinary spin and bounce.
Gibbs, with his lissom figure and unusually long fingers, possessed a unique bowling action that added to the effectiveness of his exceptional talent.

Born on September 29, 1934, in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana), Lance Gibbs began his cricket journey at a young age.
Growing up, he developed a love for the game and honed his skills, ultimately becoming one of the most skillful spinners in the history of cricket.

Gibbs' ability to intertwine spin and bounce with fierce accuracy was unmatched during his era.
His chest-on action set him apart from other spin bowlers, making it difficult for batsmen to read his deliveries.
However, the physical toll of his unusual action often resulted in a permanently sore and split spinning-finger, which he endured with great determination and resilience.

The peak of Lance Gibbs' career came between 1960 and 1962 when he displayed his exceptional prowess on the cricket field.
His outstanding performances during this period cemented his place in cricket history.
Although he was initially left out of the West Indies team for the first two Tests in Australia, Gibbs proved his worth when given the opportunity.
In a remarkable spell, he took three wickets in four balls at Sydney, and shortly after, achieved a hat-trick in the next Test at Adelaide.

One of Gibbs' most extraordinary displays of talent occurred during the winter series against India in Barbados.
In a single spell of 15 overs, Gibbs took eight wickets at the cost of just six runs, finishing with remarkable figures of 53.3-37-38-8.
This performance stands as a testament to his skill, determination, and unwavering spirit.
Gibbs' overall bowling record is equally impressive, with 309 wickets in 79 Tests, including 18 five-wicket hauls, all while conceding runs at an astonishing rate of 1.99 per over.

After retiring from professional cricket, Gibbs settled in the United States, but his love for the game did not wane.
In 1991, he returned to the cricket world as a manager, guiding the West Indies team during their tour of England.
His invaluable experience and knowledge undoubtedly contributed to the team's success during the tour.

Lance Gibbs will be remembered as a brave and indefatigable cricketer who consistently defied expectations with his extraordinary skills.
His contribution to the sport, particularly as a spinner, has left an enduring legacy.
Gibbs' name remains synonymous with exceptional spin bowling and serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats