Norman Edward de Mesquita (18 February 1912 – 31 December 1971) was a West Indian cricketer who played three Test matches for the West Indies in 1935. A right-handed batsman and right-arm fast-medium bowler, he represented Jamaica in first-class cricket from 1930-31 to 1939-40.
Early Life and Career De Mesquita was born in Kingston, Jamaica. He emerged as a promising all-rounder in Jamaican cricket during the early 1930s, known for his elegant batting and ability to bowl at a brisk pace.
Cricket Career De Mesquita made his first-class debut for Jamaica in the 1930-31 season. His consistent performances at the domestic level earned him selection for the West Indies team to play against England during their tour of the West Indies in 1935.
He made his Test debut in the First Test at Bridgetown, Barbados, playing primarily as a batsman. He subsequently played in all three Tests of that series. Across his three Test appearances, he scored 49 runs with a highest score of 20. While he bowled intermittently in Test matches, he did not manage to take a Test wicket.
In his first-class career, which spanned from 1930-31 to 1939-40, de Mesquita played 20 matches. He accumulated 691 runs at an average of 21.59, including two half-centuries. With the ball, he took 21 wickets at an average of 27.66, achieving best bowling figures of 4 for 29.
Despite a promising start to his international career, it was relatively brief, and he did not play Test cricket after the 1935 series. He continued to play first-class cricket for Jamaica until the outbreak of World War II effectively curtailed his career.
Later Life Norman de Mesquita passed away in Kingston, Jamaica, on 31 December 1971, at the age of 59.