Colin Everton Hunte Croft, popularly known as “Crofty,” was a West Indian cricketer who made a significant impact during his relatively short career. Born on August 15, 1953, in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana), Croft was a fearsome fast bowler, unafraid to employ aggressive tactics and push the boundaries of the game.
From the moment Croft burst onto the cricketing scene, it was evident that he possessed an unorthodox and intimidating style of bowling. One of his teammates famously remarked that Croft would even bounce his own grandmother if he thought it would lead to a dismissal. This penchant for inflicting pain on batsmen quickly earned him a reputation as one of the most chilling fast bowlers of his time.
Croft’s bowling technique was equally unique. With a distinctive prancing run-up, he would mask his intentions by concealing his head behind the umpire until the last possible moment. Then, with a sudden veer out wide of the crease, he would deliver the ball at an awkward angle into the right-handed batsman, often causing it to hold up off the seam and move away unexpectedly.
While his volatility occasionally got him into trouble, such as the incident where he bowled aggressively against the Australians in 1977-78 and caused injuries, it was his ferocity and passion for the game that made him a force to be reckoned with. His most infamous display of aggression occurred during a heated tour of New Zealand, where he failed to veer out in his run and collided with umpire Fred Goodall, knocking him to the ground.
Despite the occasional controversy, Croft’s talent as a bowler could not be denied. In just 27 matches representing the West Indies, he managed to capture an impressive 125 wickets. This achievement was especially remarkable considering the presence of other high-class fast bowlers in the team, proving Croft’s ability to perform amongst tough competition.
One of his finest moments came in only his second Test match, played at Port-of-Spain. It was there that Croft decimated the Pakistan batting lineup, recording figures of 8 for 29. To this day, his incredible performance remains the best bowling figures by a West Indian fast bowler.
Following his retirement from cricket, Croft pursued a career as an airline pilot. Aptly described as someone who “wouldn’t land in the middle of the runway too often,” he then transitioned into the media industry. Croft became renowned for turning press conferences into educational lectures, sharing his insights and experiences with the next generation of cricketers and enthusiasts.
Colin Everton Hunte Croft’s impact on West Indian cricket and his unique style of bowling will always be remembered. His aggression, mixed with skill and talent, made him one of the most formidable fast bowlers of his era. Whether inflicting pain on batsmen or captivating audiences with his media presence, Crofty left an indelible mark on the cricket world.
