Rahkeem Rashawn Shane Cornwall, hailing from the West Indies, is not your typical cricket player. Standing at an astounding height of almost six-and-a-half-feet, Cornwall’s sheer physical presence turns heads wherever he goes. However, his impact on the game goes far beyond his imposing figure. Known for his offspin bowling and big-hitting abilities, Cornwall has established himself as a competent allrounder in the cricketing world.
Born and raised in Liberta, Antigua, Cornwall was inspired by his maternal uncle, Wilden Cornwall, who played 53 first-class games. Following in his footsteps, Rahkeem set his sights on pursuing cricket as a career. He made his first-class debut in 2014 at the age of 20, immediately showcasing his talent as an offspinner. Season after season, Cornwall consistently took at least 40 wickets, firmly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the first-class arena.
Cornwall caught the attention of selectors with his performances in the 2017 Regional Super50 tournament. He scored an impressive 252 runs at an average of 50 and a strike rate of nearly 120, while also picking up ten wickets at an economy rate of 3.63. This led to then chairman of selectors, Courtney Browne, identifying Cornwall as a “special talent” who required further attention and development before being considered for the senior side. Special coaching and a dietician were enlisted to aid in his progress.
Over the next couple of years, Cornwall’s performances as an allrounder for Leeward Islands earned him a place in the West Indies A team. During their tour of Sri Lanka, he made a significant impact with 23 wickets at an average of 19, showcasing his versatility and skill. Cornwall’s prowess was on display once again when he claimed the prized wickets of Indian batsmen Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara during a series against India in 2017. His consistency and impact were further verified in 2018 when he played against England Lions, taking 19 wickets at an average of 18.42, contributing to West Indies A’s comprehensive 3-0 victory.
Cornwall’s moment of glory arrived in August 2019 when he received his maiden Test call-up for the West Indies during India’s tour. His outstanding performances in domestic cricket earned him the prestigious Domestic Cricketer of the Year award from Cricket West Indies in the same month. Two weeks later, Cornwall proudly donned the iconic West Indies Test cap, becoming the 319th player to represent his country at the highest level.
As Cornwall continues to make his mark in international cricket, his unique blend of size, skill, and enthusiasm sets him apart. With his immense physical presence, jaw-dropping offspin bowling, and powerful batting, he poses a challenge to any opponent. An exciting talent in the world of cricket, Rahkeem Cornwall proves that true greatness can come in many different packages.
