BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC):

The West Indies team has declared Wednesday 'Runako Morton Day' as they pay tribute to the late West Indies batsman who died in a car accident last March.

Captain Darren Sammy said the gesture was a mark of respect for the Leeward Islands and Trinidad and Tobago batsman who had made an important contribution to the side during a career that comprised 15 Tests, 56 one-day internationals and seven T20 Internationals.

West Indies face New Zealand in the third one-day international of the five-match series at Warner Park tomorrow.

"We want to show our appreciation for Runako, who was one of us and remains one of us. He played with most of the guys in the team and he was loved by everyone. He was a real team player and gave his all for every team, every time he walked on to the field," Sammy said yesterday.

"We know he was born in Nevis and played for Nevis before he played for Leewards and West Indies. During this series, we won't be going to Nevis so we decided to pay tribute to Morton here in St Kitts, which is next door to Nevis."

He added: "We thought this would be the ideal way to pay tribute. As players and as a team, we are fully in support of this initiative as we remember a man who has been a great teammate and a brother.

"It will be a big occasion on Wednesday as we remember Morton while we look to win, make it three on a trot, and take the series."

Sammy and vice-captain Dwayne Bravo will go the extra step of donating their match fees to Morton's wife.

Morton died at age 33, when his car crashed along the Uriah Butler Highway in Trinidad and Tobago, as he returned home after representing Queen's Park in a cricket match.

Morton, who resided in Trinidad, left to mourn his wife Leiselle and three children Kalika, Macario and Demica-Dior.

Tomorrow has also been declared a public holiday by the St Kitts and Nevis government and Sammy called on fans to support the Windies as they chase a series-winning 3-0 lead in the series.