In an otherwise average career, King is remembered for his pyrotechnics during the WC finals against England in 1979. Coming into bat at No. 6 with West Indies sliding at 99/4, King smashed a boundary ridden 86 off just 66 balls and was involved in a 139 run 5th wicket partnership with Viv Richards to swing the match West Indies way.

In an innings known for some stunning stroke play, Collis King did what many felt was next to impossible. He outshone the great Antiguan in a great display of raw power and big hitting. His career though was mixed with controversies as King gave WI the slip preferring to play in the World Series Cup in Australia. King's career was literally over when he went on the rebel tour to the Apartheid ridden South Africa with a rebel West Indian side in 1982-83.

As a test batsman, King had a decent career scoring a century in his 9 appearances. The lone century was against New Zealand in the 1980 tour.


By Pradeep Krishnamurthy