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Sporting Witness: First black cricketer to represent England

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The first black cricketer to represent England

23/03/2024 GMT

First black cricketer to represent England

BBC World Service - Sporting Witness, First black cricketer to represent England

In 1980, Roland Butcher became the first black cricketer to play for the England team

Roland Butcher, originally from Barbados, was selected to play cricket for England in 1980. It was the first time a black cricketer had been chosen for the team.

In 1980, Roland Butcher became the first black cricketer to represent England. It was in a one day match against Australia.

Born in Barbados, his first tour was against his home region of the West Indies. 

He’s been speaking to Claire Bowes about his experience and getting caught up in plans for a controversial rebel tour to South Africa.

(Photo: Roland Butcher. Credit: Allsport/Getty Images)

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