August 1, 2024 marked the centenary of Sir Frank Worrell's birth. One hundred two years after his birth, Frank Worrell's name still carries significant weight within the global cricket community.

This magnificent biography, a result of many years of research by Vaneisa Baksh, unearths a wealth of new information, and sheds light on the life and legacy of Sir Frank Mortimer Maglinne Worrell, detailing the impact he had on a world that needs heroes more than ever.

In the introductory chapter, Vaneisa Baksh remarked, "His batting was unanimously heralded for its style and grace: this was a man of finesse who relished the artistry of the game. His late cuts were his trademark. One report of his batting during the 1950 Lord's Test was eloquent. What set Worrell apart was his natural air of authority. He did not need to be in a leadership position to manifest it, and this characteristic defined his life. Australian captain, Richie Benaud, hailed him as a great captain. 'Frank Worrell turned West Indies from being the most magnificent group of individual cricketers in the world into a close-knit team. No one else could have done it.'

Frank Worrell had a glittering career in first-class cricket, aggregating 15,025 runs at 54.24, including 39 hundreds and 80 fifties, in 208 matches with a career-best 308 not out for Barbados vs Trinidad at Bridgetown in February 1944. Besides, he got 349 wickets at 28.58 runs apiece, including thirteen five-wicket hauls, with a career-best performance of 7 for 70 in a Test match vs England at Headingley, Leeds in 1957 in 208 matches.

The first black man to be officially appointed West Indies captain, what set Worrell apart was his natural air of authority. He did not need to be in a leadership position to manifest it, and this characteristic defined his life. According to Vaneisa Baksh, in a short space of time, he had altered international cricket. He was the most successful West Indian captain with a winning % of 60 - the next best being Vivian Richards (54%) and Clive Lloyd (48.64%). He led in three Test series of five Tests each. After losing the Frank Worrell Trophy to Australia by 2-1 in 1960-61; he ensured the series wins vs India (5-0) in 1961-62 and the Wisden Trophy (vs England) by 3-1 in 1963.

Vaneisa Baksh considered Frank Worrell a dominant cricketing figure in the 1950s along with Clyde Walcott and Everton Weekes, the dashing Barbadian trio immortalised as the Three Ws. A whimsical comparison of their personalities and styles might invoke the elements of earth, wind and fire. Son of Grace explores the relationship between the three Ws, closer during childhood than later on and with Worrell always closer to Weekes than to Walcott.

The former Indian cricketer, Bishan Singh Bedi, euphemistically described him as being the 'most romantic' of the West Indian cricketers. Yet, he was by nature a reserved man, and he kept his sexual activities as private as he could.

He had a magnificent Test career, aggregating 3860 runs at an average of 49.48, including nine hundreds and 22 fifties, in 51 Tests with a career-best being a match-winning 261 vs England at Nottingham in 1950. As a left-arm bowler, he had captured 69 wickets at 38.72, including two five-wicket hauls with a best of 7 for 70 vs England at Leeds in 1957.

The book is well worth reading. The quality of the paper and the generous spacing all enhance the fascinating material. The photographs are marvellous.

The book is handsomely produced and economically priced.