Mikyle Louis's journey from the small island of St. Kitts to representing the West Indies in international cricket is nothing short of remarkable. His story intertwines with notable experiences such as meeting King Charles, making his Test debut at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground, and receiving his first Test cap from the legendary Viv Richards. It's a tale filled with significant milestones and personal triumphs.
A Historic Encounter
When the West Indies team was informed about their upcoming meeting with the King of Britain, conversations quickly turned to the proper etiquette for such an encounter. The team joked about whether they should bow or opt for a handshake. Louis, however, had his own plan in mind.
He revealed that he had been contemplating giving the King a fist bump, a gesture common in the Caribbean but uncertain in the UK. Unsure if the King would be familiar with this greeting, Louis decided to inquire with the royal staff. Upon being told it would be humorous, he followed through with his plan.
Louis was the second player to greet King Charles after West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite. The King, curious about Louis’s role on the team, asked if he specialised as a batter or bowler. In response, Louis raised his left fist, which the King bumped with his right. Louis, with his braided hair tied in a knot resembling a hook, expressed his pleasure by crossing his right hand over his heart.
Shortly afterwards, Louis’s older brother, Jeremiah, demonstrated an intricate handshake to the King, eliciting a delighted laugh from the monarch. Watching the video of her sons interacting with the King, Natalia Meish Louis couldn't help but burst into laughter. The encounter gave her a new perspective on the King, who seemed to step out of his comfort zone and appeared jovial and relaxed.
Louis's life took a dramatic turn earlier in the year when he made his first-class debut for the Leeward Islands, emerging as the top run-scorer in the West Indies Championship. His impressive performance, including three centuries, caught the attention of selectors, leading to his inclusion in the West Indies squad for the England tour.
Overcoming Doubt
During our conversation just days before the Edgbaston Test, Louis reflected on the challenges he had faced before his recent success. He recalled a time when, despite his hard work, he felt stagnant and questioned whether he was doing enough. He compared himself to his peers, who had already made strides in regional and international cricket, and wondered if he was putting in sufficient effort.
Louis's self-doubt even led him to consider quitting cricket altogether. This period coincided with his training sessions with the Leeward Islands squad, where he struggled to find motivation. His mother, Natalia, noticed his absence from practice and confronted him. She encouraged him to persevere, reminding him that failure was not an option and urging him to keep pushing forward.
Louis eventually earned his place in the Leeward Islands squad and had an outstanding debut season, which propelled him into the West Indies team. Reflecting on this journey, Natalia emphasised the importance of guiding children in the right direction, acknowledging that some mature later than others.
Louis also credits his success to his brother Jeremiah, who served as a mentor and a source of encouragement during challenging times. Jeremiah's belief in Mikyle's abilities helped restore his confidence and motivated him to keep working hard. When Louis was finally selected to play for the Leewards, he endured four sleepless nights, determined to make the most of the opportunity and avoid returning to his previous state of stagnation.
After a successful start to his domestic season, Louis trained with the mindset that he was already part of the West Indies team, wanting to be prepared if the call came. When he was unexpectedly selected for the England tour, his life changed overnight. The government of St. Kitts and Nevis honoured him by naming the South Stand at Warner Park Cricket Stadium and a road after him, and even granted him a plot of land and a financial grant to aid his preparation for the tour.
Facing the World's Best
Three days after his memorable fist bump with King Charles, Louis made his Test debut at Lord's. The occasion was special, as it marked Anderson's farewell Test, and Louis received his cap from Viv Richards, who encouraged him to embrace the moment and strive for greatness.
Louis’s standout moment at Lord's wasn't with the bat, but in the field when he executed a stunning run-out. This moment led to an emotional celebration with his brother Jeremiah, who had been critical of Louis’s energy earlier in the match. The brothers shared a moment of triumph, with Louis playfully tapping his shoulder to prove his strength.
Reflecting on his debut, Louis described the nerves and excitement he felt facing James Anderson, one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history. Despite the challenges, Louis held his own, displaying patience and skill that would serve him well throughout the series.
Facing the fiery pace of Mark Wood at Trent Bridge was another test of Louis’s mental and physical toughness. He recounted how he prepared for such encounters by practising against a bowling machine set at high speeds on a shortened pitch, which helped him develop the ability to evade short balls and maintain composure under pressure.
Although he made some mistakes during the series, Louis learned valuable lessons, particularly the importance of playing the ball late and sticking to his fundamental techniques. He also received advice from Kraigg Brathwaite, who highlighted the need to maintain a strong work ethic regardless of success or failure.
As Louis continues to grow in his cricketing career, he remains inspired by his ultimate dream of becoming like Viv Richards. While he keeps his specific goals close to his chest, his journey from St. Kitts to international cricket is already an inspiring tale of perseverance, determination, and the pursuit of greatness.