A hard hitting batsman, Wavell Hinds was a dynamo in the West Indian unit. He made his ODI debut against India in 1999 in Singapore, where he managed just a run. He created an impact though in his third ODI, hitting 65 against a potent Pakistan attack that boasted the likes of the two W's and Saqlain Mushtaq. Playing at the top of the order, he was given the licence to tee off and flay the opposition with his drilled drives and crunching slogs.

He was handed his maiden Test appearance in 2000 and in his fourth game, Wavell Hinds struck 165 against Pakistan despite the lack of requisite footwork and technique. He was picked as a surprise opener for the final Test against Australia in 2000-01. Even more surprising were his fruitful stands of 147 and 98 with Sherwin Campbell. However, the musical chairs for the West Indies opening berth continued with Hinds finding himself in and out of the XI before sent packing into the oblivion because of a certain Chris Gayle.

Hinds though experienced considerable success in the abbreviated format, which suited his style of play more. In 2003 Hinds smashed successive centuries against Australia, powering West Indies to victories in each of those occasions. However, Australia wrapped up the series 4-3.

There were the sporadic flashes of brilliance but Hinds' inconsistency became too serious an issue to grapple with as the selectors axed him. He was drafted back for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2004, where he pitched in the ball with the pick of his displays being the 3-24 in the high pressure final, although he was a failure with the bat.

Unfortunately, he could not sustain the good form, which resulted in him being tumbled out of the West Indies setup. With his international career all but over, Wavell Hinds embarked upon the Kolpak route, playing for Derbyshire English County Club in 2008. In the same year, he figured in the now-defunct Indian Cricket League.

By Deivarayan Muthu