A clever offie, who is also a handy batsman lower down the order, Omari Banks was catapulted to the international stage on the back of some consistent form in the domestic circuit. During 2011, Banks plied his trade for Leicestershire second XI before earning a worthy call-up for the West Indies A team.

His maiden international appearance came to pass in May 2003 but it turned out to be a nightmarish outing for both Banks and West Indies. He leaked 204 runs in 40 overs at a poor economy rate of 5.10 for 3 wickets as Australia surged to a facile 9 wicket victory. He then held the dubious record of conceding most runs on Test debut.

Swiping aside the disappointment, he contributed a crucial, unbeaten 47 with the bat in the fourth Test at Antigua, helping West Indies fashion the highest successful fourth innings chase in Test history. Banks figured in a few more games but drifted away from the international scene following a fallow period.

In 2007, he made his way to England to render his all-round services for Somerset. He was released by the County side in 2009 after an unproductive stint, which was further marred by ball tampering charges. About three years later, Banks announced his retirement from competitive cricket, shifting his focus towards forging a career in music.

Interesting facts:
1.Banks is the first cricketer from Anguilla to play Test cricket for West Indies.
2.Banks' first single as a musician "Move On" was released on iTunes in January 2012.

ByDeivarayan Muthu