Players of series named

Press, 30 April 1981, Page 36

Players of series named

NZPA-Reuter London The English batsman, Graham Gooch, the all-roun-der, Peter Willey, and the bowler, John Emburey, were yesterday named as England’s outstanding players on the tour of the West indies which ended earlier this month. They were chosen to receive prizes of 11400 each from the sponsors of English test cricket. Gooch hit two centuries on the way to a total of 460 runs and top place in the test batting averages. Willey’s fighting batting earned him third place in the averages and Emburey, although he took only seven test wickets at nearly 60 runs apiece, was unlucky not to have better figures. The tour manager, Mr Alan Smith, who presented the awards, said: “Gooch was not in the least overawed by the strength of the West Indies attack. His batting got better as the series went on and he rose several notches in expertise.” Of Emburey, Smith said: “His figures, under difficult circumstances, simply do not do him justice,” and he described Willey as "a splendid tourist.” The West Indies dominated the test series and won it, 20. The sponsors announced that in the forthcoming series against Australia this year the prize money for the series winners would be increased by £7OO to £3OOO. The England players will each receive £l4OO per test and share £1750 for a victory.