Celebrating the Spirit of Cricket at JW3

The Third Annual Evening of Cricket at JW3 which Selby Trust was invited to proved to be an engaging and memorable occasion, bringing together a distinguished panel of cricketing figures and an enthusiastic audience united by their shared love for the game.

The panel featured Daniel Lightman, curator of the Cricket and the Jewish Community exhibition at Lord’s, alongside former England cricketers Roland Butcher, Angus Fraser, and Ronnie Irani, as well as renowned cricket journalist and author Matthew Engel. Each panellist brought a unique perspective and a wealth of experience, contributing to an evening that was both insightful and moving.

The conversation went far beyond cricketing statistics and match highlights.

The speakers reflected on their early experiences with the sport, family influences, and the defining moments that shaped their careers - particularly the honour of being selected to represent England.

These personal reflections illuminated the dedication, sacrifices, and resilience required to succeed at the highest level.

The discussion also touched on favourite matches, memorable opponents, and, most powerfully, the obstacles faced along the way.

Roland Butcher, the first Black cricketer to play for England, spoke candidly about the barriers he encountered and the sense of responsibility carried - his story was particularly poignant.

The event was not only a celebration of cricket but also a powerful reflection on the sport’s broader social and cultural impact.

The night offered a rare opportunity to hear first-hand accounts from some of the most respected figures in English cricket and served as a reminder of the power of sport to shape lives and bring communities together.