Gilchrist dies after prolonged illness

Roy Gilchrist, a fastbowler whose hostile pace heralded the start of a West Indian cricket dynasty, has died. He was 67.

Gilchrist died at his home in Kingston on Wednesday after a long battle with Parkinson's disease and high blood pressure, his wife, Maureen Dixon, said on Thursday.

Gilchrist played for the West Indies in 13 Tests, the first against England in 1957. He finished his career with 57 wickets.

Though small in stature, Gilchrist was considered the fastest bowler of his time. His fearsome pace influenced a succession of quick bowlers in the Caribbean, starting with Wes Hall and Charlie Griffith in the 1960s and peaking with the feared four-pronged pace attack of the 1980s.

Gilchrist's career ended abruptly after he was sent home from the West Indies' tour of India in 1958 for disciplinary reasons regarding his personal behaviour. Following his suspension, he failed to hold a regular spot in the team.

He is survived by his wife and seven children.