Barbados - Home of cricket and holidays

English fans love the island, so join CricTours for the first Test and escape the UK weather

Barbados has such a British heritage, fans of English cricket feel right at home. And with the beautiful weather for watching a Test against West Indies, they might not want to go home after a week with CricTours.

The company is taking a small, intimate party out to the first Test of the eagerly awaited West Indies v England Test series, from January 23–27.

The island is the spiritual home of West Indies cricket, and the Kensington Oval at Bridgetown has a rich history. It has produced so many memorable moments in the 15 Tests between the sides.

There has been some extraordinary batting, with a triple-century from Lawrence Rowe (1973/74), and double-tons from Clyde Walcott (1953/54) and Garry Sobers (1959/60) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (2008/09), as well as those unforgettable back-to-back hundreds from Alec Stewart (1993/94). And there has been thrilling fast bowling from great pacemen like Patrick Patterson, Curtly Ambrose and Steve Harmison. Brilliant batting and electrifying fast bowling equals cricket at its best.

CricTours’ Brian Corcoran explains what a friendly place Barbados is. “It’s the safest of the islands, and there is a fantastic chance to interact close with the locals. Everyone in the pubs, restaurants and bars is amenable, respectful and very knowledgeable about cricket.

Hotbed of talent

“Barbados is still a hotbed of cricket talent. West Indies captain Jason Holder is from the island, as well as Shai Hope (who made that fabulous pair of hundreds in Leeds last year), Kemar Roach, Shane Dowrich, Carlos Brathwaite (who can forget that over off Ben Stokes in the 2016 World T20?)

“We stay in the St Lawrence Gap, in an all-inclusive hotel, but if you want to spread your wings, there are lots of wonderful places to eat and drink. There is fantastic nightlife, and incredible beaches. Our group is limited to 36, with its own dedicated tour manager. We offer a minimum of three functions, and in the past we have had tremendous access to people like Nasser Hussain, Mike Atherton and Jonathan Agnew. Our tours are always convivial, with the highest standards of service.”

The Test is the first of a thrilling, pivotal year for English cricket, ahead of the World Cup in England, and the Ashes. The England players will have had a decent break over Christmas, and should be fresh and raring to go against a West Indies side that is always fired up to face them.

^{Shai Hope will be one of the many talented cricketers on show in Barbados}

Rewarding venue

England played their first Test at the venue in 1929/30, with West Indies drawing thanks to their first ever centurion, Clifford Roach. They managed their first win there over England in 1953/54, Walcott scoring 220 and Sonny Ramadhin spinning them out.

By the 1980s West Indies cricket was evolving. It was time for pace! A fab four of Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Colin Croft and Joel Garner blew Ian Botham’s men away in 1980/81. And Curtly Ambrose (8 for 45) broke English hearts in 1989/90. England gave the hosts a taste of their own medicine in 1993/94, with Stewart reaching three figures twice in a wonderful win.

It is a rewarding venue for outstanding cricket, and a paradise island for people who love watching the game. A cold and wet England in January, or a Test in Barbados? What time does the flight leave?

For more info visit www.crictours.com, call 01844 343800 or email tours@crictours.com

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