The West Indies come to Tonbridge for Test Match training camp

A new chapter in Tonbridge’s cricketing history was written as the School hosted a visit by the West Indies cricket team.

Led by captain Kraigg Brathwaite, the squad was based at Tonbridge between Tuesday 25 and Thursday 27 June as it prepared for the Richards-Botham Test series against England, which begins in July.

Players used the School’s facilities, and in particular The Head, its renowned cricket pitch, across three days of training. Many boys were able, between lessons, to watch the team practising in the nets, while a number of the School’s cricketers even had the opportunity of having a bowl at the international players.

After two days in the nets, the West Indies played a warm-up game on their final day. Later they mingled with the boys, signing autographs and posing for selfies, as all at Tonbridge wished their visitors a fond farewell.

Chris Morgan, the School’s Director of Sport, said: “This was such an exciting week, providing our students with a first-hand glimpse into the lives of professional cricketers. It was an unforgettable experience, too, for those students who were able to test out their skills on the pitch against world-class players.

“Our hosting of the West Indies further enhances our reputation as one of the premier cricket schools and locations in the country, and we wish the squad well for the rest of their tour.”

James Priory, Headmaster, welcomed the team on the opening morning, presenting Kraigg Brathwaite with a tankard and tie, and members of the West Indies coaching staff with a gift of School cufflinks. “Cricket is at the heart of the School’s history and heritage, and we are honoured to host your visit,” Mr Priory told the players and coaches.

Tonbridge’s former pupils include members of the Cowdrey family, former national selector Ed Smith and, more recently, England and Kent opener Zak Crawley. The School regularly fields up to 17 cricket teams for weekly fixtures in the Summer Term.

Due to the intensity of both the training and the weather in the last week of June, the West Indies players took a well-earned rest day on Friday (28 June). They are next in action from Wednesday 3 July, in a warm-up match at Beckenham against a First-Class Counties Select XI, after which the Test series gets under way.