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Learie Constantine - West Indies cricket pioneer

Learie Constantine - West Indies cricket pioneer

How the West Indian all-rounder took England by storm in the 1920s and 30s.

Sporting Witness · BBC World Service

December 3, 20209m 52s

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Show Notes

In the 1920s, Learie Constantine became the first West Indian cricketer to sign a professional contract in England. He was a star of the domestic and international game thanks to his athletic all-round performances with bat and ball. Learie Constantine is also credited with helping improve race relations in Britain and later became the first black person to be awarded a peerage. Simon Watts introduces the memories of Learie Constantine as recorded in the BBC archives.

PHOTO: Learie Constantine in action (Getty Images)