Dave Mohammed, born on August 29, 1978, in Trinidad and Tobago, is a former cricketer from the West Indies. He is best known for his accurate and attacking chinaman bowling style, as well as his positive batting skills.
As the youngest of ten children, Mohammed grew up with a passion for cricket. At a young age, his talent was evident, and he quickly rose through the ranks in domestic cricket. Despite only playing three first-class matches, he caught the attention of the West Indies selectors and was named in the squad for the third Test against South Africa in March 2001. However, his international debut had to wait until December 2003 when he finally played against the same opponents.
Although Mohammed didn’t have an outstanding debut, his three wickets in the first innings, including two in just seven balls, made a significant impact against a strong South African team. Throughout the tour, Mohammed showcased his skills as a valuable member of the West Indian bowling attack. Following a modest performance in the second Test against England in the same year, he was dropped from the side until 2006.
During the interim period, Mohammed’s first-class form remained consistent, although not remarkable. His opportunity for an international comeback came in 2006 when he played against India and Pakistan. Although his bowling success was moderate, it was his aggressive and counter-attacking batting style that garnered attention. In a thrilling match against India, Mohammed scored a crucial 52 runs at St John’s, leading West Indies to a dramatic draw.
Mohammed’s international career experienced another break after 2006. However, in August 2008, he was selected in the ODI squad for the tri-series in Canada, marking his first international call-up in nearly two years. Unfortunately, his progress was hampered, and he struggled to regain his previous form. Despite this setback, Mohammed had the opportunity to be part of the Stanford Superstars team that emerged victorious over England in the lucrative US$20 million Twenty20 match in October 2009.
Throughout his career, Mohammed’s first-class performances remained consistent, although he faced difficulties in translating his domestic success to the international stage. Nonetheless, he has left a lasting impact on West Indies cricket, particularly with his unique chinaman bowling style and his ability to contribute as a positive batsman.
Dave Mohammed may not have achieved legendary status in cricket, but his contributions to the game, both domestically and internationally, should not be overlooked. His dedication, skills, and resilience have earned him a place in the cricketing history of the West Indies, leaving a mark that will be remembered by fans and fellow cricketers alike.
