Bedser, Kanhai in ICC Hall of Fame

London:

West Indian batting legend Rohan Kanhai and England bowling great Alec Bedser were inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame during the tea interval of the first Test between England and the West Indies on Thursday.

Kanhai scored 6,227 runs in 79 Tests for the West Indies during his 17-year career at an average of 47.53.

Bedser, at 90 years, is the oldest surviving member of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

The right-arm medium-fast bowler, whose career was suspended by World War II, represented England in 51 Tests, picking up 236 wickets at an average of 24.89.

Kanhai and Bedser were presented with their Hall of Fame caps by ICC President David Morgan in the presence of the England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke, West Indies Cricket Board chairman Julian Hunte and secretary and chief executive of Marylebone Cricket Club, Keith Bradshaw.

"I am honoured to be part of the Cricket Hall of Fame and especially so in this centenary year of the ICC," said Kanhai.

"To be honoured at Lord's, of all places, and at the same time as Sir Alec, one of the legends of the game, makes this a very special occasion for me," said the 73-year-old.

A delighted Bedser said, "It is a great honour to be included in such a presentation from the ICC, particularly as it's a worldwide accolade. It is also very pleasing to be, alongside Rohan, one of the first 55 cricketers inducted into the Hall of Fame."