Watch: Wes Hall's brutal pace against England in 1963

Watch: Wes Hall’s brutal pace against England in 1963: Before the likes of Michael Holding and Malcom Marshall, there was Wes Hall. A person who terrorized batsman all over the wall with his pace, celebrates his 78th birthday today.

Known for his brutal pace during the years when the bowlers relied on skill, he was instrumental in building a team which served as a base of the unstoppable West Indies of the 70s and 80s. Making his debut for the first team against India in 1958, there was no looking back for the fiery paceman. He took 46 wickets in 8 matches in the combined tours of India and Pakistan.

His partnership with Charlie Griffith took West Indies to new heights in cricket. He was instrumental in West Indies’ first series win over Australia in 1964, taking 16 wickets. Hall was also known for his long spells; once bowling three and a half hours without changing in Lords and bowled West Indies to victory against England.

His short but unforgettable career ended in 1969 against New Zealand in Auckland, where he retired along with his long time partner Charlie Griffith. He finished with 192 wickets in 48 matches at a strike rate of 54 and average of 26.

In his later life, he was the tourism minister of Barbados and also was appointed as the president of West Indies cricket board in 2001. He was knighted in 2012, and was inducted into ICC hall of fame in July 2015.

Watch: Wes Hall’s brutal pace against England in 1963: