Desmond Leo Haynes, born on February 15, 1956, is a former Barbadian cricketer who had a successful career in both international and domestic cricket. He is considered one of the greatest opening batsmen in the history of the game.
Haynes played for the West Indies cricket team between 1978 and 1994, during which he received a staggering 354 international caps.
Here you can follow Desmond Haynes’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
About Desmond Haynes
Born on February 15, 1956, in Saint James, Barbados, Haynes is a right-handed batsman and a right-handed medium-pace bowler. He started his cricket journey with the Barbados National Cricket Team in 1976 and quickly caught the attention of selectors, earning a call to play for the West Indies just two years later.
Domestic Career
Desmond Haynes had a remarkable domestic cricket career, playing for several teams over the years. His domestic career spanned from 1976 to 1997, during which he played for Barbados, Middlesex, Western Province, and Scotland. In Barbados, Haynes played from 1976 to 1995.
Haynes had a successful stint with Middlesex in English county cricket from 1989 to 1994. During this time, he made 191 appearances for the club, scoring 7,071 first-class runs at an average of 49.10, including 21 hundreds.
He also scored 4,105 List-A runs at an average of 48.86, including 6 hundreds and 35 half-centuries. His highest score for Middlesex was 255 not out.
Over his entire first-class career, Haynes played 376 matches, scoring 26,030 runs at an average of 45.90, with a highest score of 255 not out. He scored 61 hundreds and 138 fifties in his first-class career.
In List A cricket, he played 419 matches, scoring 15,651 runs at an average of 42.07, with a highest score of 152 not out. He scored 28 hundreds and 110 fifties in his List A career.
International Career
Haynes started his international career for the West Indies at age 22 with a run-a-ball 148 in a one-day international (ODI) in Antigua in 1978.
He played in 116 Test matches and 238 ODIs, scoring more than 16,000 runs in both formats combined. In Test matches, he scored 7,487 runs in 116 matches at an average of 42.29, with his highest Test innings of 184 coming against England in 1980.
In ODIs, he scored 8,648 runs in 238 matches at an average of 41.37. He held the one-day record for most hundreds (17) until Sachin Tendulkar passed him in 1998.
Haynes formed a formidable opening partnership with Gordon Greenidge, and they are often considered the finest opening pair in the history of cricket. He was a dominant performer at home, averaging a terrific 56.05 in 49 Test matches.
Desmond Haynes’s Net Worth Details
Desmond Haynes’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his income as a former professional cricketer, endorsements, and other sources.
Income
Haynes had a successful career with the West Indies national team, which would have been his primary source of income during his playing days. After his playing career, he has been involved in cricket in administrative and coaching capacities, which would also contribute to his income.
A player representing the West Indies in all formats of the game in 2014 would have earned US$83,000 from match fees and sponsorship money for a series comprising of five ODIs, three Tests, and one T20 match.
However, this figure is from a much later period than when Haynes was active, and player salaries have generally increased over time.
Career Earnings
Desmond Haynes’s primary source of earnings was from his cricket career, where he played in major tournaments and represented the West Indies National Cricket Team.
His earnings would have come from match fees, bonuses, and other cricket-related income. After his playing career, Haynes has been involved in cricket in administrative and coaching capacities, which would also contribute to his income.
In addition to his cricket earnings, Haynes has sought compensation for damages after being left out of certain cricket series and for contract issues with cricket clubs, which indicates that he may have also earned income from legal settlements.
Endorsement
Haynes has endorsed the appointment of Rayad Emrit as captain for the Barbados Tridents and has been praised for his cricket knowledge upon his appointment as the Lead Selector for the West Indies Senior Men’s Team.
Personal Details
| Full name | Desmond Leo Haynes |
| Nickname | – |
| Birth date | February 15, 1956 |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Birthplace | Saint James, Barbados |
| Nationality | Barbadian |
| Current net worth | $5 million |
| Relationship status | Married |
| Wife | Elen Clarke Haynes |
| Instagram profile | @deshaynesgolf |
Wife
Desmond Haynes is married to Elen Clarke Haynes. Haynes’s family life is private.
Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | High Score | Average | Hundreds | Fifties |
| Tests | 116 | 202 | 7487 | 184 | 42.29 | 18 | 39 |
| ODIs | 238 | 237 | 8648 | 152* | 41.37 | 17 | 57 |
| First-Class | 376 | 639 | 26030 | 255* | 45.90 | 61 | 138 |
| List A | 419 | 416 | 15651 | 152* | 42.07 | 28 | 110 |
FAQs
Who is Desmond Haynes?
Desmond Haynes is a former West Indian cricketer, born on February 15, 1956, in Holders Hill, Barbados. He is regarded as one of the greatest opening batsmen in cricket history and played for the West Indies from 1978 to 1994.
What are some of Desmond Haynes’ biggest achievements?
Haynes had a stellar career with numerous achievements:
- They scored over 7,000 runs in Test cricket and over 8,000 runs in ODIs.
- Won the 1979 Cricket World Cup with the West Indies.
- Held the record for most ODI centuries (17) until 1998.
- Inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2021.
What was Desmond Haynes’ highest score in international cricket?
Haynes’ highest Test score was 184 runs, achieved against England at Lord’s in 1980. In ODIs, his highest score was 152 runs against India in 1989.
What is the “Dessie” nickname about?
“Dessie” is a nickname affectionately given to Desmond Haynes by his teammates and fans. It reflects his friendly and approachable personality.
How did Desmond Haynes perform in domestic cricket?
Haynes had a successful domestic career with Middlesex in English county cricket. He scored 7,071 runs in 95 first-class games for Middlesex, with an impressive average of 49.10.
What was unique about Desmond Haynes’ batting style?
Haynes was known for his solid and muscular batting style. He combined timing with power and was particularly effective against fast bowlers. He often played the role of the steady opener, complementing the aggressive style of his opening partner, Gordon Greenidge.
Did Desmond Haynes ever captain the West Indies?
Yes, Haynes captained the West Indies in a few matches. He was known for his tactical acumen, including a famous instance where he used delaying tactics to prevent an England victory in Trinidad during the 1989-90 series.
What did Desmond Haynes do after retiring from cricket?
After retiring, Haynes took on several roles, including:
- Chairman of Selectors for the Barbados Cricket Association.
- President of Carlton Cricket Club.
- Secretary of the West Indies Players Association.
- Director of the West Indies Cricket Board.
- He also served as a Government Senator and Chairman of the National Sports Council in Barbados.
What records did Desmond Haynes set during his career?
Haynes set several records, including:
- He was one of only two players to carry his bat in a Test innings three times.
- Scoring a century on his ODI debut.
- Holding the record for most ODI centuries (17) until Sachin Tendulkar surpassed him.
What is Desmond Haynes’ legacy in cricket?
Desmond Haynes is remembered as one of the greatest opening batsmen in cricket history. His partnership with Gordon Greenidge is considered one of the best ever. His contributions to West Indies cricket, both on and off the field, have left a lasting impact, and his induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame solidifies his legacy.
