Shamarh Shaqad Joshua Brooks, born on 1st October 1988, is a cricketing sensation hailing from the picturesque island of Barbados. This right-handed batsman, with the occasional leg-spin in his arsenal, has not only made a mark in the domestic circuit but has also become a key player for the West Indies cricket team.
Early Promise and Domestic Stardom
Shamarh Brooks’ journey in cricket began with an aura of promise and talent. He was destined for greatness from a young age, representing the West Indies under-19 cricket team in the 2006 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. His talent was undeniable, and his debut in first-class cricket for Barbados arrived in 2007.
One of the significant milestones in Brooks’ early career was captaining the West Indies under-19 team in the 2008 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, showcasing his leadership skills at a young age.
Despite early promise, Brooks faced challenges in realizing his full potential. A challenging year in 2012, where he managed just 76 runs at an average of 8.44, resulted in his exclusion from the national team. However, Brooks didn’t let this setback deter his determination.
The year 2015 marked his resurgence when he returned to first-class cricket with a bang. He scored his maiden first-class century against the Windward Islands, signaling his arrival on the domestic scene. Over the next five years, he amassed an impressive 3091 runs at an average of 38.63, including five centuries and 20 half-centuries.
The Journey Towards Test Cricket
Shamarh Brooks’ journey toward Test cricket was not without its challenges. He took significant strides by captaining unofficial Test matches for West Indies A from 2016. His stellar performance in the West Indies A series against India A in England in 2018, where he scored 91 and an unbeaten 121, made him the highest run-scorer of the series, setting the stage for his Test call-up.
T20 Franchise Cricket
Brooks also left his mark in the exciting world of T20 franchise cricket. He played for the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League for two seasons in 2016 and 2017. His dynamic batting style and contributions added value to the league.
International Debut and Century
In August 2019, Shamarh Brooks made his international debut for the West Indies. He embarked on his Test journey against India, showcasing his skills and determination at the highest level.
His maiden Test century came in November 2019, during a one-off Test against Afghanistan, where he scored a remarkable 111 runs.
Consistent Performances
Brooks’ consistency and dedication led to more opportunities. He was named in the West Indies’ Test squad for their series against England in July 2020. His performances continued to catch the eye of selectors and cricket enthusiasts alike.
In June 2022, during a series against the Netherlands, Brooks reached another milestone by scoring his first century in One Day Internationals (ODIs), with an unbeaten 101 runs.
A Crucial Substitute
In December 2022, Shamarh Brooks stepped in as a concussion substitute during the first Test of the West Indies’ tour of Australia. His versatility and adaptability once again proved invaluable to the team.
Shamarh Brooks’ cricketing journey is a testament to his resilience and unwavering commitment to the sport. From his early days as a prodigy to becoming a key figure in West Indies cricket, Brooks has left an indelible mark on the game, and his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers worldwide.
