First West Indies Cricket to P

The West Indies Cricket Team, formed in 1884, made its first overseas tour two years later to Canada and the United States. The tourists played thirteen matches during August and September; they won six, lost five and two were drawn. The first match was played against the Montreal Cricket Club, 16-17 August, 1886. It ended in a draw after which the West Indians moved on to Ottawa, Toronto and Hamilton. They arrived in the United States to play several matches in Philadelphia where the cricket culture was well established. Local clubs proved too strong an opposition for the tourists. The press was encouraging but made it clear that the islanders were out of their depth. It was an important tour for the first West Indian cricketers. It was the first international step in an apprenticeship that lasted decades. The English finally decided to host the West Indians in 1900. This book speaks to the Canadian and American beginning of the West Indian cricket culture that was to emerge a century later as the most powerful performance force the game had ever seen.Beckles, Hilary McD is the author of 'First West Indies Cricket to P', published 2007 under ISBN 9789768125866 and ISBN 9768125861.