Jackman in test side

Press, 14 March 1981, Page 60

Jackman in test side

NZPA-Reuter Bridgetown Robin Jackman, the player at the centre of the . olitical storm which almost wrecked England’s cricket tour of the Caribbean, has won a place in the team for the third cricket test against the West Indies, which will start at Bridgetown today. Jackman, a 35-year-old fast-medium bowler, and the Barbados-born Rolan- Butcher will make their test debuts as England strives to avenge an innings defeat in the first test in Trinidad. The second test at Georgetown was called off after the Guyana Government expelled Jackman because of his links with South Africa. Jackman, who job id the England team in the Caribbean as a replacement for the injured Bob Willis, earned his selection by taking four wickets in his first tour match against Barbados earlier this week.

Butcher becomes the first black player to win an England test cap, and his selection yesterday was made evm sweeter because he will appear on his native Barbados soil. The team shows four changes from the one thrashed in the first test. David Bairstow regc’.ns the wicketkeeper’s place from Paul Downton, and Geoff Miller, the . vice-captain, stands down in favour of Butcher.

Mike Gattng will bat at No. 3 in place of Brian Rose, who had to return home with eye trouble, while Jackman will replace Chris Old. The troubles which have bedevilled England throughout the tour have left most of their top batsmen desperately out of touch, and the West Indies will start firm favourites j