Roland Butcher, a Barbados-born cricketer, wrote his name in history when he became the first black player to represent England.
He made his Test debut at Bridgetown in 1980-81, with the local paper aptly headlining it as “Our boy, their bat.”
The Thrilling Yet Inconsistent Batsman
A batsman capable of playing the most thrilling, attacking innings, Butcher was sadly, and frustratingly, inconsistent.
His compulsion to hit every ball hard and far usually led to his undoing. For every onslaught, there were a dozen disappointments. Nevertheless, more than once, he saved his contract with Middlesex with a brilliant hundred.
“A batsman capable of playing the most thrilling, attacking innings, Butcher was sadly, and frustratingly, inconsistent, his compulsion to hit every ball hard and far usually his undoing.”
Early Career and Path to England’s Team
Butcher moved to England at the age of 14, joined Middlesex in 1974, and was picked for two ODIs against Australia in 1980 on the strength of county form.
A run-a-ball fifty in the second game, allied to an unbeaten half-century in the Gillette Cup final that September, secured him a place on the tour of the Caribbean.
Challenges and Resilience
However, his technique against fast bowlers was exposed, and he was never considered for England’s team again. In 1983, he suffered a sickening injury that threatened his eyesight when struck by George Ferris.
Despite this setback, Butcher returned and continued to entertain and frustrate until his retirement in 1990.
As a fielder, Butcher was among the best, either swooping in the outfield or, in latter years, in the slips. After retiring, he pursued business interests and coaching roles with various teams, including Tasmania and Bermuda.
In November 2004, he was appointed director of sports at the University of the West Indies’ Cave Hill Campus. Butcher was also a talented footballer, playing semi-professionally for Stevenage and Biggleswade.
A Blemish in His Final Years
One blemish in his final years was a brief involvement with the planned rebel tour of South Africa in 1989. However, he withdrew when media reaction threatened the success of his benefit.
Roland Butcher’s historic achievement as the first black player to represent England, combined with his thrilling batting, resilience, and diverse talents, have cemented his place in cricketing history.
