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Biography & Personal Stories
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A Somber Century: The Story of Cricket's Only 'Retired Not Out'
In 1983, West Indies batsman Gordon Greenidge left a Test match with a score of 154 to be with his critically ill daughter. His innings was recorded as 'retired not out,' a unique and poignant designation marking a tragic story that transcends sport.
A Scorebook's Solemn Entry
In the vast and detailed history of Test cricket, scorebooks are filled with statistics, milestones, and records. Yet, one entry stands alone, a somber footnote that tells a story not of athletic triumph, but of profound personal tragedy. It reads: 'G Greenidge retired not out 154'. This unique designation belongs to West Indies opening batsman Gordon Greenidge, and it marks the only time in the sport's history a player has been recorded this way—a distinction born from a heartbreaking choice between the game he loved and the family he cherished.
The Match and the Message
The scene was the fifth Test between West Indies and India in St. John's, Antigua, in April 1983. Greenidge, a formidable and powerful presence at the crease, was in magnificent form. He had meticulously built an innings of 154 runs, steering his team towards a commanding position. The partnership with Vivian Richards was flourishing, and a 'double-century' seemed inevitable. Then, news arrived from his native Barbados that no parent ever wants to receive: his two-year-old daughter, Ria, was gravely ill. Without a moment's hesitation, Greenidge walked off the field, abandoning his innings and the match to fly home. In cricket, a batsman may 'retire hurt' and potentially return later. But Greenidge's departure was final. The scorers, faced with an unprecedented situation, created a new term for the permanent and tragic nature of his withdrawal: 'retired not out'.
A Human Moment in a World of Sport
The decision resonated deeply with players and fans alike, highlighting the humanity that exists beyond the boundary rope. As one fan aptly noted, it was a moment that puts sport into perspective.
One of the most emotional stories of cricket. Nothing is more important than family.
Greenidge reached his daughter's bedside, but tragically, Ria passed away just two days later. The cricket world mourned with him. His score of 154, a testament to his skill, was now permanently overshadowed by the immense personal loss it represented. The Indian team, led by the legendary Kapil Dev, showed immense sportsmanship, never pressuring for a replacement or questioning the decision. It was a moment of quiet solidarity that underscored the gravity of the situation.
The Legacy of 154 Retired Not Out
While cricket has seen other players retire from an innings for various reasons—illness, injury, or even protest—their scores are typically recorded as 'retired hurt' or simply 'retired out'. Greenidge's case was different. The 'not out' distinction acknowledged that he was not dismissed by the opposition but was forced away by circumstances beyond his control, with no possibility of return. It remains a unique entry in the annals of cricket, a statistical anomaly that serves as a permanent reminder of the day a game paused for a father's love and loss. It is a story that ensures Gordon Greenidge is remembered not just for his powerful batting, but for a moment of profound and heartbreaking humanity.