"The only resistance they encountered after that came from the sixth-wicket partnership lasting two hours between Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Omari Banks, the tall 20-year-old Anguillan who handled his debut Test with the calmness of a veteran" Tony Cozier
Name: Omari Banks
Place of Birth: Anguilla
Height: 6' 3''
Weight: 185 lbs
Favourite Shot: On Drive
Bowling Style: Right-arm off-spin (recent)
Right-arm medium pace (previous)
Batting Style: Right-handed
First Class Debut: 2001 vs Trinidad & Tobago
Test Debut 2003 vs Australia in Trinidad. (Substitute)
2003 vs Australia in Barbados 
Banks' reaction to his selection

West Indian Cricket Anthems: Live the passion or Rally Round The West Indies.; Are you there; 

Earliest Test Distinction: In only his second test match, Omari Banks proved the selectors right in their earlier decision to include the young Anguillian in the team inspite of much criticism from pundits in some of the larger islands. With West Indies on the verge of a first ever white-wash on Caribbean soil and under much taunting from the Australians, Omari played what some experts considered to a be " Man Of The Match" innings of 47 not out as guided West Indies to a record setting 418 runs to win the match.

Banks impact recognized globally immediately:

  • "And as tension boiled over in the wake of the umpiring error that sent back Ridley Jacobs, 
    we saw Banks -- surely one of the coolest 20 year-olds in the history of West Indies cricket-- 
    keeping his head, even after the loss of Chanderpaul, to carry his team home in tandem 
    with Drakes." Editorial at Jamaica Observer

  • -Banks:What a find Headline with picture at SKYSPORTS.

  •  -"But I was so impressed with West Indies' new find, Omari Banks - nothing phases him, he is calm and collected, and doesn't play rash shots" Bob Willis Sky Sports.

  • -Front Page of www.windiescricket.com  on May 13th 2003 was none other but 20 year old Anguillian Omari Banks.

  • -Omari Bank LEADS West Indies to victory on the final day. NOT OUT on 47, the Anguillian stood firm and took the Windies to the record setting chasing score of 418 over the best team in the world. Wow I'm proud to be an Anguillian this day! Editor www.anguillalife.com 

  • -"Banks got in on the act as well, cracking MacGill for an exocet of a straight drive, before playing out his final over of the day with a maturity beyond his 20 years. West Indies had lacerated 143 runs in a session, and Australia's dream was hanging by a thread." CricInfo.com

  • "I think Omari has given us positive vibes, it's good to see a young player come into the team and bat so positively, that is something that has been lacking in the batting department," R. Sarwan

  • Lara tagged the unflappable Banks "a breath of fresh air" "I think he's got a great future," Lara said. "He's got a great team spirit." (CNNSI)