Name:

Gomes, Hilary Angelo

Nickname:

Larry

Date of Birth:

13 Jul 1953

Gender:

Men

Place of Birth:

Arima, Trinidad and Tobago

Career:

Test: 1976 - 1987
ODI: 1978 - 1987

Teams:

West Indies (Country)
Trinidad and Tobago (Regional)

Windies win despite Marsh heroics (1987)

Larry Gomes is one of the most accomplished and resilient middle-order batters in the history of West Indies cricket. Renowned for his composure, immaculate technique, and unwavering reliability, Gomes was the tactical anchor of the legendary Caribbean side that dominated world cricket during the late 1970s and 1980s.

Born on August 7, 1953, in Arima, Trinidad, he hailed from a distinguished sporting family; his elder brother Tony played first-class cricket, and his nephew John later continued the tradition. A technically sound left-handed batter and occasional right-arm off-spinner, Larry quickly earned a reputation for patience, determination, and an exceptional temperament under pressure.

After making his first-class debut for Trinidad and Tobago in 1971, Gomes earned selection for the West Indies Test side in 1976. While his early international appearances were sporadic, he cemented a permanent place at the crucial No. 3 and No. 4 positions by the early 1980s.

Batting alongside iconic greats such as Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Sir Viv Richards, and Clive Lloyd, Gomes became the ultimate stabilizing force. His finest hour came during the historic 1984 tour of England, where he smashed three consecutive Test centuries, playing a pivotal role in the famous 5-0 Blackwash series win.

Across an outstanding international career spanning 1976 to 1987, Gomes played 60 Test matches, amassing 3,437 runs at an impressive average of 39.96. His record includes nine centuries and 17 half-centuries, highlighted by a career-best 182 against England. He also represented the West Indies in 33 One-Day Internationals and scored more than 13,000 runs at the first-class level.

While he deliberately eschewed the flamboyant style of some of his illustrious teammates, his unique ability to blunt world-class bowling attacks, occupy the crease, and build vital partnerships made him an indispensable member of one of cricket's greatest-ever teams.

Following his retirement from the crease, Gomes remained deeply involved in the sport as a coach, administrator, and mentor. He served Trinidad and Tobago cricket in various developmental roles, earning widespread respect for his commitment to nurturing young talent. His profound contribution to West Indies cricket extends well beyond his playing statistics, with teammates and historians recognizing him as the definitive unsung hero of the golden era. Calm, disciplined, and immensely dependable, Larry Gomes remains celebrated as one of Trinidad and Tobago's finest sporting exports.