Breaking Barriers Barbados to England and Back

Born in St Philip on the east coast of Barbado, Roland Butcher created history in1980 when he became the first Black cricketer to represent England. He made three Test appearances the following year against the West Indies, including a debut in the country of his birth

An attacking and often thrilling batter who amassed more than 17,000 runs and18 centuries in professional cricket, he will forever be remembered as a cricketing trailblazer but this new book is about much more than his most famous achievement. As Butcher himself puts it, “More than just a story of cricket, Breaking Barriers is an exploration of identity, belonging, and the enduring power of perseverance”With honesty, warmth and humour, Butcher opens up about his life beyond the pitch, including the many obstacles he has overcome. Charting and exploring his Barbadian roots, moving to England, the highs and lows of representing England, his ongoing battle against prejudice, his return to Barbados and his life beyond cricket, Breaking Barriers is an honest and thoughtful memoir that offers fresh insight into one man’s unique career and the era in which he played.