EPISODE · Aug 19, 2023 · 9 MIN
Cricket's Blackwash test series
from Sporting Witness · host BBC World Service
In 1984, the West Indies celebrated a 5-0 test series defeat of England on British soil - a historic cricketing victory that became known as Blackwash.But for Windies fans, it was more than just a record score-line. It was also recognition at a time when many British Caribbean communities were suffering racism, unemployment and poverty.They flooded onto the pitch to celebrate, unfurling a banner in bold painted letters which read ‘Blackwash’. It had a huge impact, as West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding tells Jane Wilkinson. (Photo: Blackwash banner, The Oval, 1984. Credit: Allsport/Getty Images)
What this episode covers
In 1984, the West Indies celebrated a 5-0 test series defeat of England on British soil - a historic cricketing victory that became known as Blackwash.But for Windies fans, it was more than just a record score-line. It was also recognition at a time when many British Caribbean communities were suffering racism, unemployment and poverty.They flooded onto the pitch to celebrate, unfurling a banner in bold painted letters which read ‘Blackwash’. It had a huge impact, as West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding tells Jane Wilkinson. (Photo: Blackwash banner, The Oval, 1984. Credit: Allsport/Getty Images)
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Cricket's Blackwash test series
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