Roland Butcher
Roland Orlando Butcher (born 14 October 1953, Saint Philip, Barbados)[1] is a former cricket player and coach, who played for England in three Test matches and three One Day Internationals from 1980 to 1981. He is recognised as being the first black cricketer to represent England.[2] His brief international career was somewhat overshadowed by the death of Ken Barrington, and the 'Jackman affair'.[1]
| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Roland Orlando Butcher | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 14 October 1953 Saint Philip, Barbados | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Batting | Right-hand bat | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bowling | Legbreak | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic team information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1974–1990 | Middlesex | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1974/75 | Barbados | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1982/83 | Tasmania | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1991 | Suffolk | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Career statistics | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Source: CricketArchive, 29 July 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Life and career
A cousin of Basil, Roland Butcher had come to the United Kingdom at the age of thirteen from his native Barbados.[1] He was an aggressive middle-order batsman, who represented Middlesex between 1974 and 1990. His intuitive batting style owed much to the archetypical West Indian calypso flair.[1] He "secured his place in history when he became the first black player to represent England, making his Test debut at Bridgetown in 1980-81".[3]
In 1983, "he suffered a sickening injury which threatened his eyesight when struck by George Ferris", but managed to recuperate and return to the sport.[3] Butcher had agreed to join a rebel tour of South Africa in 1989, led by his county captain Mike Gatting. However, "he withdrew when media reaction threatened the success of his benefit".[3]
Butcher retired from playing professional cricket in 1990, and took up coaching. He interviewed for head coach of the West Indies in 2000, but was unsuccessful, with the job going to Roger Harper.[4] Later in the year, he was appointed head coach of Bermuda, replacing previous part-time coach Allan Douglas. His first major engagement as coach was the 2000–01 Red Stripe Bowl.[5] Butcher either left or was removed from his position only months before the 2001 ICC Trophy, and replaced by Mark Harper.[6] In November 2004, he was appointed director of sports at the Cave Hill, Barbados, campus of the University of West Indies.[7]
References
- Bateman, Colin (1993). If The Cap Fits. Tony Williams Publications. p. 36. ISBN 1-869833-21-X.
- "The man of 2009". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
- Content-aus.cricinfo.com
- Caroline Cheese (5 November 2004). "Windies 'face long wait for success'" – BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
- Cleon Scotland (18 August 2000). "Roland Butcher Bermuda-bound" – ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
- Dave Liverman (22 June 2001). "ICC Trophy - Group B Division 1 preview and prospects" – ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 1 April 2016.
- (5 November 2004). "Roland Butcher takes Caribbean coaching role" – ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 1 April 2016.
