One of the best West Indian batsmen of the 1960s, Seymour Nurse holds the record for the highest individual score by a batsman in his final Test innings - a majestic daddy double ton on farewell. He was a stylish strokemaker who batted primarily in the middle order. He was built like an ox and the power game further bolstered his strokeplay which was in a league of its own. Despite being extremely flamboyant, Nurse was also an extremely consistent batsman who often produced vital knocks under pressure. He was one of those talents who shone brightly right from First-class circuit and translated that success into Test cricket as well. Nurse was more accustomed to batting in the middle order but there were plenty of instances where he had to open the batting for the sake of the team's balance.For all his success, Nurse didn't have an extraordinary first few years as a Test batsman.

He did begin with a couple of fifties in his first three innings but largely remained inconsistent till 1965 when he converted his maiden Test ton into a double century. It was the tour to England in the next year though that saw him take his career to the next level. He had fifty-plus scores in each of the five Tests including a vivacious century at Leeds. From then on, his career took a massive turn for the good and even in his last days, Nurse was good as any in the world. Three centuries and a 90-plus in his final six innings is testimony to this and of course, that memorable record-breaking double century in his last innings. He retired prematuredly no doubt but it was out of his own will. He later on spent time as a coach and selector. He became a proud dad of twin daughters in 1966 which was an eventful year for him in all aspects.

Written by Hariprasad Sadanandan