A formidable West Indies side led by Clive Lloyd taking on the Australians in the Boxing day Test in 1981 consisted of two wicketkeepers. One was the old warhorse, David Murray donning the gloves. The other glovesman was a diminutive man from Kingston, Jamaica who was standing in the outfield. Peter Jeffrey Leroy Dujon, popularly known as Jeff Dujon might have never thought that it would be the start of a career where West Indies never lost a Test series when he played for them.

Born on 28th May, 1956, Dujon was competent not just behind the stumps, but also more than handy withthe bat in the lower order. A self-described non regular keeper, he began improving after his Test debut in the 1981 series against Australia by observing the great Rod Marsh. Indeed, at that point of time only Marsh and Pakistan's Wasim Bari had the maximum dismissals in Tests and Dujon went on to emulate them. Compared to the gigantic West Indies fast bowlers, Dujon looked like a pigmy. But, he more than made up for that with his athleticism and rarely let go of anything which the batsman couldn't play at. Well known for taking spectacular one-handed catches, Dujon notched up 272 dismissals in a career lasting 10 years and 81 Tests. Probably one of the first keepers to make an impact with the bat in a big way, he also notched up 5 centuries and 16 fifties. His highest Test score of 139 came against Australia at Perth, of all places, in 1984-85 when his side was reduced to 186/6.

Detractors might rightfully point out that Dujon's keeping skills against spinners remained untested. But the time during which Dujon operated, becoming a spinner was never a wise career option in the Caribbean islands and truth be told, his talent was showcased against the most fearsome pacers ever. His first class career throws up far greater figures: 9763 runs, 21 centuries and 469 dismissals. That is a record no other West Indies keeper has yet been able to match. After his retirement in 1992, he has worked as an assistant coach to the West Indies national team. Currently, his articulate presence in the commentary box is much valued.

Fact: He was the Wisden cricketer of the year in 1989.

Quotable Quotes

'He was superb when keeping to Shane Warne and that’s why I rate him higher than Gilchirist'- On Ian Healy

By Siddharth Prabhakar