Wavell Hinds could have become a prominent opener for West Indies cricket. At the very beginning of his career, he proved his worth against Pakistan.
West Indies had high hopes for this left-handed batsman. He wasn’t just a sportsman—he looked like a movie hero. He could easily have become a Hollywood star. But he chose the field instead—not just one, but multiple fields. He excelled in both cricket and football, truly a genuine all-rounder who shone in both sports. He was one of the brightest weapons in the British sporting arsenal.
From a cricketing perspective, he was the first true superstar of the television era. His records are legendary: most runs in a single Test session (173 vs Pakistan), most runs by any batsman in a calendar year in first-class cricket (3,816), and the fastest triple century in terms of time (181 minutes)—among many others.
He was a right-handed batsman and a left-arm wrist spinner. In Tests, he scored 5,807 runs at an average of 50, with 17 centuries and 25 wickets. In first-class cricket, he amassed 38,942 runs at an average of 52, including an astounding 123 centuries, and took 622 wickets.
As a footballer, Compton was also outstanding. He played for Premier League club Arsenal, winning both the English Premier League and the FA Cup, scoring 15 goals in 54 matches. His favorite position was right wing.
He stood apart in another unique way. Representing England, Middlesex, and Arsenal, he was Britain’s first sportsman to earn a huge income through advertisements. He endorsed the hair gel brand Brylcreem during the 1940s and ’50s and was immensely popular. He could truly have made a career in film. Inspired by his success, Pakistan’s fast bowler Fazal Mahmood later became a Brylcreem model as well.
Some years of his cricketing career were lost due to World War II. During that time, Denis Compton served in India with the military. While in India, he even played Ranji Trophy matches. Australian legend Keith Miller was also in India during that period.
The two legends faced off in a match in Kolkata—Miller played for the Australian Services team, and Compton for East Zone. When Compton was batting on 94, the match was canceled because spectators stormed the field. The match could not be resumed, but that incident marked the beginning of a friendship between Compton and Miller. Since 2005, the Player of the Series award in the Ashes has been named the Compton–Miller Medal in their honor.
Once, playing for Middlesex against Kent at Lord’s, Compton faced a challenging final innings target of 397 runs in just two sessions. He scored 168 runs, although Middlesex fell short by 75 when the match ended. Compton considered that one of his favorite innings.
After watching that innings, famous writer Neville Cardus wrote:
“Nothing on the field has touched me as deeply as what happened this summer at Lord’s. Worry and gloom filled the faces, but when Compton rose in full brilliance, those same faces lit up with joy. It was as if each of them had become healthy and happy. Compton’s innings brought a smile to everyone—it carried no trace of division.”
