Winston Davis: I believe I shall start to walk again

Birmingham: He is a forgotten man. But how can we forget his spell of seven wickets in five overs against Australia at Headingley in the 1983 World Cup.

Where is Winston Davis? I tried to locate him at St Vincent in the Caribbean, But nobody could give me his address. Finally, Gulf News caught up with him in his rented one bedroom apartment near Worcester, England. Davis gave this interview sitting in his wheelchair. Excerpts:

Gulf News: How did all this happen?

Winston Davis: The accident happened on Nov-ember 1, 1997. I was in St Vincent. We were trying to build a church there. Actually, in March, I had become a Christian and was involved in religious work. I was trying to cut a tree when I fell from it and was severely injured. I was sent to Florida immediately and from there, to Bewdley for further treatment. And I am still undergoing treatment.

What are the chances of improvement?

I believe I shall start to walk again. I really do not know how the money is being arranged. But the British government is helping me. If that continues, I'll be alive. Never ever did I have to beg for money and even in such condition, I'm not doing so. Somehow, the requirements are met. I firmly believe that by the grace of the almighty, I shall be walking one day.

So, this wheelchair is your only friend now?

I do not say so. It's a useful tool. If I was sitting in a normal chair, I would need the help of someone to go around. But the batteries in the chair give me the freedom to go up and down. I go for my walks in the chair. I have been in a wheelchair since 2004.

It must have been quite tough initially to cope with such a life?

Yeah, I cried every day. But now I don't cry. I believe the tears washed away all the wrongs I had made. It's a new life. Now when people enquire how I cope up, I say I am not coping, but I'm living my life. I have no regret.

Did any of your teammates come to see you?

It's difficult for them to come to see me here. It's three-and-a-half hours journey from London. And they come to London only. Moreover, after we bid adieu to the game, it's difficult to stay in touch with everybody. I have heard that Patrick Patterson is now living on a hill. But it's impossible for me to go and meet him. However, those who want to come here will always be welcomed.

Have you taken up the citizenship of the UK?

No, I still have my St Vincent passport, I am a Vincentian. I went there last year, too. It was really a pleasure to see that the Church is beginning to rise. We live in a poor country.

Do you still remember the defeat in the 1983 World cup final?

Yes, I can remember that even now. None of our batsmen, except Viv Richards, took the game to the Indian dressing room. Captain Clive had taken some bad decisions, too. There was no need to reshuffle the batting order in such a match.