Black cricketers (English Cricket)

[wpdavid]

I seriously read Norwayese

That'll be my poor hand-writing

 

[Richard]

Linked to the decline of WI as a force in international cricket, there's been a sharp reduction in the number of overseas players from the WI in the CC. Going back 20-30 years, loads of them played here, and most were highly successful. In fact, there weren't many WI players from the early 70's to early 90's who didn't play in the CC at some stage of their careers. Nowadays, there's very few, and that alone will account for some of the decrease in numbers. That's before you consider the knock-on effect in terms of their being role models and encouraging black kids in this country to play the game.

And why the reduction in West Indians in the Championship?

The reduction in the number of good West Indian players.

 

[wpdavid]

And why the reduction in West Indians in the Championship?

The reduction in the number of good West Indian players.

Sure. More than any other country, if you look at the WI sides from the 1970's and 80's, nearly all of them played over here at some stage. Happy memories, actually.

 

[nightprowler10]

There was an article somewhere else along these lines a little while ago, can't remember where. Don't know if it was discussed in CW, though.

Are you talking about this one?

 

[Richard]

Yes, I seem to recall that being the one. Good dig.

 

[Magrat Garlick]

Mali Richards? I think so, but I don't think he plays much first class. Not good enough apparently.

Took a wicket for Oxford University today. Presumably he's destined for greater things than cricket.

 

[wpdavid]

Took a wicket for Oxford University today. Presumably he's destined for greater things than cricket.

Takes after his mum then

 

[Poker Boy]

On the subject of Mali Richards, he is in MCC's squad to play the Windies next week
http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/engvwi/content/story/295823.html
If nothing else, the chance of the son of Sir Viv playing against the Windies might give this match a bit of publicity.

 

[Richard]

Haha... yeah...

 

[wpdavid]

On the subject of Mali Richards, he is in MCC's squad to play the Windies next week
http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/engvwi/content/story/295823.html

As is Robbie Williams - always wondered what happened to him.

That is a shocking lineup for a toruists match though. Really - what is the point?

 

[Richard]

?

 

[aussie]

There are a number of reasons why as alluded to in the article.

Firstly, the changing demographics of the black population in the UK.
Between 1980 and 1997 10 black players debuted for England and only 2 of them (Syd and Neil Williams) were born in England. Lewis, Benjamin, Malcolm, DeFreitas, Small, Slack, Cowans and Roland Butcher (no relation to Mark Butcher) were all born in the West Indies.

England has never had a track record of producing British-born black cricketers.

In 1997 Mark Butcher and Dean Headley debuted. I wouldnt include them in this discussion for 2 reasons. Firstly they are not a typical product of a system as they come from cricketing dynasties with both their fathers being Test cricketers (Headley, father and Grandfather for WI and Butcher, father for England) and they grew up around the County scene. Secondly, they are mixed race.

In the 10 years since 1997 only Alex Tudor has played Test cricket for England.

THere are a number of reasons why, as the article touch on some.

1) Less first generation West Indians brought up on cricket in the Islands.

2) The change in the education system where school sport in the state system was reduced since 1985 and beyond.

3) The explosion of the Premier League and the domination of soccer. Football is easier to get into, pays better, is more glamerous etc. No suprises that more people play it and want to play it. For example in my year group at school out of 130 boys only 2 played cricket and football was the only sport the school offered.

4) Small black population to start with so no real suprise that there are not that many playing. According to the CIA Factbook the UK (as the cricket team doesnt purely draw from England) the population is 2% black.

5) Fashion. West Indian/Black players were very fashionable in the 1980s and going into the 1990s due to the incredible WI team of the time. This led to a number being selected. In fact a Wisden from the 1980s suggests limiting the number of West Indians a team could have. We have seen similar with Australians being fashionable in the 1990s (Mullally, White, McCague, Gallian, Adam Hollioake, Ben Hollioake). All part of England consciencely or subconsciencely attempting to mimic what superior teams were doing at the time with inferior players.

The numbers may be down at the moment but I would suggest that the 1980s had an unrealistic participation level that was always unlikely to be maintained. The current levels are probably closer to the natural 'norms' even if they may be on the low side of that.

Speaking as an actual black kid/mix raced in the system, you have summed it up perfectly. Of all my black friends only the one's (like myself) who have links the the caribbean show strong interest to cricket. The rest are definately into the football & b-ball (to a level) since i.e with the ladies cricket just doesn't kick it with them, if a girl knows you play football & well damn she'll be all over you.

I am the only one of 3 black blokes who plays club cricket @ LCC, the only black kid along with an abundace of white guys & some asians who played in MGS school team last year so that gives you an idea. But its all good..

 

[Richard]

Haha. The ladies don't often tend to be too keen on cricket in white lads, either, TBH.