WATCH AGAIN: TOO BLACK TO WEAR WHITES

WATCH AGAIN: TOO BLACK TO WEAR WHITES

WATCH AGAIN: TOO BLACK TO WEAR WHITES

In the latest of Pitch Publishing's virtual cricket talks authors Richard Parry and Jonty Winch joined BBC cricket reporter and commentator Mark Church to talk about their new book Too Black to Wear Whites.

If you were unable to join us for the live talk and question-and-answer session, then you can watch it again by clicking here

Too Black to Wear Whites is the compelling story of Krom Hendricks, the first black South African sporting hero. Co-authors Jonty Winch and Richard Parry explore the colonial roots of racism in cricket and the nefarious role Cecil Rhodes played in the origins of segregation when he barred Krom Hendricks from the South African tour to England in 1894.

Hendricks's long struggle for recognition exposed a cruel system. It is a compelling human drama. Hendricks played for the South African 'Malay' team against English professionals in 1892.

He was, they said, the best fast bowler in the world. He struck fear into the white establishment and targeted elite South African batsmen who feared his express pace and the prospect of humiliation at the hands of a 'coloured' player.

Denied the chance to play Test cricket against Lord Hawke's side, his courage, perseverance and passion for cricket never diminished over several decades; and at the age of 60 he led representative 'coloured' teams in fundraisers during the First World War.

Richard Parry works in African history, resistance to colonialism and international taxation.  He uncovers histories of racism, colonialism and cricket and advises African countries on implementing effective tax systems.

Jonty Winch has worked in photography, journalism and education in three southern African states and England. These interests have influenced his involvement in more than 20 histories, biographies and anthologies.

Pitch's 2020/21 Winter Programme of Virtual Cricket Talks

The 2020/21 winter programme will include a mix of backlist and new books due out in spring 2021, with the talks taking place on Friday evenings at 7.30pm and expected to last up to 90 minutes; each will also include a question-and-answer session for attendees.

The links will be published on the day of each talk, and circulated to interested societies ahead of each event to share with members by email or on social media channels.

If you wish to learn more about the titles and authors, or purchase those books to read ahead of the talks, please click the links below for further information.

2020/21 Winter Schedule

12th March 
Jonathan Rice, author of The Stories of Cricket's Finest Painting

19th March 
John Fuller, author of All Wickets Great and Small