Whatever happened to... Omari Banks

Banks played his first Test at Bridgetown in May 2003. In his second he scored 47 not out as West Indies pulled off the highest fourth-innings run-chase in history – 418 against Australia at St John's, Antigua

Omari Banks played his first Test at Bridgetown in May 2003. In his second he scored 47 not out as West Indies pulled off the highest fourth-innings run-chase in history – 418 against Australia at St John’s, Antigua. But just two years later, aged just 23, he played what proved to be his last Test. Now he is following in the footsteps of his father, Bankie Banx, by going into music. His work has been described in the The New York Times as “a cross between Bob Marley and Bob Dylan”.

How did it feel to become Anguilla’s first Test cricketer?

When I got the call from Brian Lara [laughs disbelievingly] everything kind of lit up, it was special. After the news broke, it was like a holiday in Anguilla, everybody was calling the radio to send congratulations.

Talk us through the world-record chase...

It was special because I grew up admiring the likes of Steve Waugh, Ricky Pointing, Brett Lee, Jason Gillespie, and even my own team-mates, the likes of Brian Lara, Ridley Jacobs, and Vasbert Drakes – his was my first autograph. I remember Brian Lara saying on the evening of day four he was proud of the guys and how we fought back when our backs were against the wall.

I was 28 not out overnight and that speech gave me the confidence to go out there the next day and seal the deal. The match was filled with drama – it was the first time West Indies were facing a whitewash at home. It kind of symbolised my whole growth as a cricketer. It really came to a fitting conclusion when we won.

^{Banks and Vasbert Drakes celebrate in Antigua}

How do you view the condition of West Indies cricket?

I would like to have seen the Darren Sammy situation handled better. No matter how much talent you have, you need strong leadership. I hope they can get it together and be a strong representative of the region. Cricket is one of the things that brings us together, so we need to protect that.

Who were your biggest influences in cricket?

My coach Cardigan Connor and my uncle Valentine Banks were both driving forces. Another big influence on my career was Jack Birkenshaw. He was instrumental in helping me with my bowling and getting me over to England. My mum instilled in me an ethic of hard work and determination. I always understood the power of the mind: mental toughness is really key in cricket. At the highest level everyone is talented but what differentiates the good players from the great players is attention to detail and their aptitude to perform under pressure.

Did you always foresee a career in music?

With my dad being a musician in Anguilla, everybody expected me to go into music. But as I got to my teenage years I was good at cricket as well, and sometimes as a kid you want to chart your own course – whether that be consciously or subconsciously – and I went into cricket. I was obsessed with it. 

Who are your musical influences?

I have to mention my dad, I watched him perform his craft growing up. From an artist’s point of view, the likes of Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, John Mayer, Joe Bonamassa, Prince, R Kelly, Luther Vandross, Queen, Bon Jovi and Bob Marley.  I have always had a love for different kinds of music. The general music I create is reggae, but the influence of other genres comes into it.

^{A career in music followed}

If you could share a beer with one cricketer, and one musician, who would you choose?

Brett Lee, that’s my boy! I think he would be good fun; he would probably drink a few beers, drink a little bit more than I can!  One musician, I would say Stevie Wonder. He has so much depth to his songwriting and so much class as a musician, it would be good to pick his brain and just gain from his wealth of knowledge.

What are your memories of cricket in England?

The people at Leicestershire and Somerset treated me great. Big shout out to Peter Trego, Marcus Trescothick and Jos Buttler. I need to come back over when I am not playing sports so I can just kick back and relax.

When was the last time you picked up a bat?

I have a bat in the house. I have an unconscious thing where I imagine a ball coming and I make a noise like I’m hitting the ball. You never lose the fire inside you to challenge yourself. I could play cricket right now. I wouldn’t be in elite condition, I might feel sore the next day, but my reflexes and timing are still there!

Would you rather sell out St John’s as a cricketer or a musician?

Musician, definitely. Cricket is a brilliant thing, I love it, and 10 years ago my answer may have been different. But there is something about music, which has a connection to people, and when you get it right it is almost mythical.

This article was published in the April 2017 edition of The Cricketer - the home of the best cricket analysis and commentary, covering the international, county, women's and amateur game

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