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Shamarh Brooks, born on 1st October 1988 in Saint Michael, Barbados, is a prominent figure in the world of cricket. Representing the West Indies on the international stage, Brooks is a right-handed batsman known for his prowess at the crease. While primarily a top-order batter, he occasionally showcases his versatility by delivering leg-spin bowling. His cricketing journey has seen him evolve from a domestic player in Barbados to an international cricketer, making significant contributions to the West Indies team since his debut in August 2019.
From a young age, Brooks displayed an innate talent for the sport. He was recognised as a cricket prodigy during his teenage years, which paved the way for his inclusion in the West Indies under-19 cricket team. This early recognition allowed him to participate in the 2006 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. His skills and leadership qualities were further acknowledged when he was chosen to captain the West Indies in the 2008 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
Brooks' first-class cricket debut came in 2007, marking the beginning of his professional cricketing career. However, like many athletes, his journey was not without its challenges. After a challenging year in 2012, where he managed to score only 76 runs at an average of 8.44, Brooks faced a setback as he was dropped from the national team. This hiatus from first-class cricket lasted until 2015. But, true to his resilient nature, Brooks made a triumphant return by scoring his maiden first-class century against the Windward Islands. Over the subsequent five years, he accumulated 3091 runs, boasting an average of 38.63, which included five centuries and 20 half-centuries.
His consistent performance in the domestic circuit did not go unnoticed. Brooks began captaining unofficial Test matches for the West Indies' second team, West Indies A, from 2016. His leadership and batting skills were particularly evident in the West Indies A series against India A in England in 2018. Here, he not only finished as the highest run-scorer for the series but also showcased his batting prowess with scores of 91 and 121 not out in consecutive matches.
In addition to his first-class cricket endeavours, Brooks also ventured into the realm of Twenty20 franchise cricket. He played for the Caribbean Premier League, the premier Twenty20 league in the West Indies, for two seasons in 2016 and 2017. During this stint, he played a total of 8 matches, scoring 119 runs at an average of 23.80 and a strike rate of 120.20.
Shamarh Brooks' early life and entry into cricket is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and undeniable talent. From his early days as a cricket prodigy to his rise in the domestic and international circuits, Brooks has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket.
Shamarh Brooks' journey in the domestic circuit is a tale of resilience, determination, and sheer talent. His early years in cricket saw him representing Barbados, and he quickly made a name for himself with his elegant batting style, particularly his drives through the off side and his signature flicks. However, Brooks faced a significant challenge early in his career. After making his first-class debut in 2007, he struggled to find consistent form and was dropped by Barbados in 2012, having managed only one fifty since his debut.
But Brooks was not one to be deterred. His return to the Barbados team in 2015 was nothing short of spectacular. In his very first innings back, he scored a magnificent 124 against the Windward Islands. This was followed by two more centuries in the same year, solidifying his place in the team and putting him back on the radar for national selection. His performances caught the attention of the West Indies' selectors, and he was soon called up to represent the Board President's XI against Australia.
In addition to his exploits for Barbados, Brooks also played for several other teams in the domestic circuit, including the Barbados Tridents, Jamaica Tallawahs, and the West Indies A team. His leadership qualities were evident when he captained the West Indies A side, particularly during their tour of England in 2018. Here, he scored 91 and an unbeaten 122 against India A, further cementing his reputation as a top-order batsman of great promise.
Brooks' consistent performances in the domestic circuit eventually earned him a call-up to the senior West Indies team. He made his Test debut against India at North Sound in August 2019. While it took him a few innings to showcase his skills on the international stage, he soon found his rhythm and became a regular feature in the West Indies batting line-up.
His journey in the international arena has been marked by several notable performances. By the end of 2022, Brooks had played 13 Test matches, amassing 553 runs with a highest score of 111. His batting average in Tests stood at 23.04, with three centuries to his name. In addition to his Test exploits, Brooks also represented the West Indies in One Day Internationals (ODIs), scoring 842 runs in 29 matches with a highest score of 101 not out.
Throughout his career, Brooks has showcased his talent with several standout performances:
Test Cricket: In 13 matches, Brooks has scored 553 runs at an average of 23.04, with a strike rate of 44.06. He has three centuries to his name, with a highest score of 111.
One Day Internationals (ODIs): Brooks has played 29 ODIs, scoring 842 runs at an average of 30.07. His strike rate in ODIs is 75.58, and he has one century and 14 half-centuries to his credit.
T20 Internationals: In this format, Brooks has scored 218 runs with a highest score of 56 not out. His strike rate in T20Is is 102.83.
First-Class Matches: Brooks' first-class career has been impressive, with several centuries and important knocks. His performances for Barbados and the West Indies A team have been particularly noteworthy.
Shamarh Brooks, with his elegant batting style and leadership qualities, has given cricket enthusiasts several memorable moments to cherish. One of the most significant highlights of his career was his return to first-class cricket. After being dropped in 2012, Brooks made a roaring comeback in 2015, scoring a century against the Windward Islands in his first innings back. This innings was not just a testament to his skill but also his mental fortitude and determination.
Another highlight that stands out is his captaincy for the West Indies A team during their tour of England in 2018. Scoring 91 and an unbeaten 122 against India A, Brooks showcased his prowess as a top-order batsman and led from the front. These performances were instrumental in his subsequent inclusion in the senior West Indies team.
On the international stage, Brooks' maiden Test century is undoubtedly a moment that will be etched in the memories of cricket fans. Playing against Afghanistan in Lucknow in 2019, Brooks showcased his class and temperament, crafting a brilliant century and announcing his arrival on the global stage.
Apart from his on-field exploits, Brooks' dedication to the sport and his never-give-up attitude have been personal highlights. Whether it was facing challenges early in his career or adapting to the pressures of international cricket, Brooks has always showcased resilience, making him a role model for aspiring cricketers.
Shamarh Brooks' journey in cricket is a story of talent, perseverance, and resilience. From his early days in Barbados to representing the West Indies on the international stage, Brooks has left an indelible mark on the sport. His elegant batting style, combined with his leadership qualities, has made him a vital asset for the West Indies team.
While statistics and records are essential, Brooks' legacy goes beyond numbers. It's about the impact he has had on the game and the inspiration he provides to young cricketers. His story of facing setbacks, only to come back stronger, serves as a lesson in determination and hard work
As Brooks continues his journey in cricket, he has already established himself as one of the stalwarts of West Indies cricket. His contributions to the game, both on and off the field, will ensure that he is remembered as one of the finest cricketers of his generation.
FAQs
When did Shamarh Brooks make his Test debut for the West Indies?
Brooks made his Test debut for the West Indies against India at North Sound in August 2019.
Which team did Brooks score his maiden Test century against?
Brooks scored his maiden Test century against Afghanistan in 2019.
How many centuries has Brooks scored in Test cricket till 2022?
As of 2022, Brooks has scored three centuries in Test cricket.
Did Brooks ever captain any West Indies team?
Yes, Brooks captained the West Indies A team and also led the West Indies Under-19 team in the 2008 World Cup.
Which domestic teams has Shamarh Brooks represented?
Brooks has represented several domestic teams, including Barbados, Barbados Tridents, Jamaica Tallawahs, and West Indies A, among others.
