Introduction
Roland Butcher (born Roland Orlando Butcher, 14 October 1953, Saint Philip Parish, Barbados) is a former English cricketer, who played in three Tests and three ODIs from 1980 to 1981. He is recognised as being the first black cricketer to represent England. His brief international career was somewhat overshadowed by the death of Ken Barrington, and the 'Jackman affair'.
Life and career
A cousin of Basil, Roland Butcher had come to the United Kingdom at the age of thirteen from his native Barbados. 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. He "secured his place in history when he became the first black player to represent England".
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. 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".
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. 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. Butcher either left or was removed from his position only months before the 2001 ICC Trophy, and replaced by Mark Harper. In November 2004, he was appointed director of sports at the Cave Hill, Barbados, campus of the University of West Indies.