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First black cricketer to represent England
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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