Captivating Cricket Spectacle in South-East London
On a chilly day at the Beckenham County Cricket Ground, the West Indies cricket team’s first and only warm-up match of their England tour attracted a delighted crowd, eager to witness the Caribbean side in action. Despite the lack of sunshine, the atmosphere was filled with warmth as the tourists’ batters showcased their skills, posting an impressive 339 runs against a First Class Counties Select XI.
Alick Athanaze’s cover drive, which pierced the gap between the boundary boards, was one of the highlights, with a young boy fielding the ball just behind and receiving cheers and hugs from his friends, as if he had taken a match-winning catch.
While West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite missed out, scoring just 4 runs, there were notable performances from Athanaze, Kirk McKenzie, and Kavem Hodge, who scored a century of 112 runs off 128 balls before being dismissed.
Mikyle Louis, who may well have played his way into the vacant opening spot opposite Brathwaite, made a half-century off 63 balls, which included 16 runs off one of Josh Hull’s overs, comprising a four and two sixes.
This match represented vital batting practice for the tourists before the opening Test against England at Lord’s next Wednesday. But it was more than just a warm-up game; it was an opportunity to re-engage the traditionally cricket-loving Caribbean communities in south-east London.
“The crowd, which included many West Indian fans, such as Glenroy, Fitzroy, and the Campbell family, was captivated by the action on the field. Mercia Campbell, a passionate fan who had flown over from Ireland especially for this game, watched with her grown-up children as Athanaze and Hodge put on a partnership of 138 for the fifth wicket.”
Asher Roberts, the development officer at Kent, had been planning this “Rally Round the West Indies” event for the past six months, recognizing the demand for cricket in the region. The event was a success, with 800 tickets sold on the first day and more than a thousand already sold for the final day, when the entertainment will include steel bands and a dance group.
The former Jamaica player Simon Jackson, who has been coaching in this part of England for the past eight years, noted a positive shift in engagement with the game, with initiatives like the ACE programme charity and the efforts of individuals like Asher Roberts helping to bring cricket back into the community.
The Beckenham ground, which missed out on the chance to be a Tier One venue in the women’s game, remains a place of great possibility, with the potential to emerge as a vital hub for cricket in the high-density catchment area that Kent is keen to realize.
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