Today’s Feature

May 20th

Gladstone Small

Born on 18 October 1961, Gladstone Cleophas Small is a former cricketer from England. He had a successful career, representing his country in 17 Test matches and 53 One Day Internationals (ODIs). Small played a crucial role in the English squads that reached the finals of both the 1987 and 1992 Cricket World Cups, although they finished as runners-up on both occasions.

Small's expertise lay in his pace bowling skills, making him a valuable asset to the team. His exceptional performance during the 1986-87 Ashes series in Australia played a significant role in England's victory. Small's two five-wicket hauls during the series were instrumental in securing the Ashes for his team.

In addition to his cricketing achievements, Small has faced challenges due to his genetic condition called Klippel-Feil syndrome. This condition affects the neck and has been a part of Small's life. Despite this, he has shown resilience and determination throughout his career, leaving a lasting impact on the cricketing world.

Early Life

Gladstone Cleophas Small's unwavering dedication to cricket and its future in Birmingham and beyond remains as strong today as it did when he first stepped foot in Edgbaston as an enthusiastic teenager in the late 1970s. After moving to the West Midlands from the Caribbean at the tender age of 14, he joined his father, who had relocated to England's automotive heartlands for employment opportunities.

Unfortunately, cricket was not readily available at his school, Moseley Comprehensive, during that time. However, this did not deter Small from pursuing his passion. He decided to join Camp Hill Old Edwardians Cricket Club, where he honed his skills as an off-spin bowler. Interestingly, there was a day when he had to step up as a seamer to fill in for a missing teammate, and it was during this unexpected opportunity that Warwickshire coaches took notice of his talent.

Impressed by his performance, the coaches extended an invitation for Small to join them at Edgbaston, the renowned cricket ground in Birmingham. This invitation marked a significant turning point in his cricketing journey, as it provided him with the chance to further develop his skills and showcase his potential on a larger stage. Small's passion for the sport, combined with his natural talent, undoubtedly played a crucial role in catching the attention of the Warwickshire coaches and securing his place at Edgbaston.

Career

Gladstone Small expresses his gratitude towards the first individuals who managed him when he turned professional. He considers David Brown, a former Warwickshire cricketer, and Alan Oakman, the coach, as exceptional gentlemen who played a crucial role in making him feel at ease. This was particularly important for Small, as a young player, as he found himself in the company of cricketing legends such as Amiss, Willis, and Kallicharran. The presence of these heroes naturally created some tension for him, but the coaches' ability to provide reassurance and make him feel like he belonged was invaluable.

Small's journey in cricket went beyond just fitting in. He made the decision to abandon his off-spin and instead focused on becoming an out-swing specialist. This change in approach proved fruitful when he achieved his first-class Warwickshire wicket on 8 May 1980, dismissing Somerset's Vic Marks for a duck. At the age of 18, Small played in 13 championship matches, followed by 18 the next season and 22 the year after that. By the time he was 20, he had already accumulated over 50 championship games.

Throughout the 1980s, Small played a pivotal role in bolstering the Bears' bowling attack. He was a key component of the dominant team in the mid-90s, which brought the championship title to Edgbaston after a 22-year drought. Although he retired in 1999, Small still cherishes every opportunity to return to the esteemed cricketing venue, Edgbaston, which he considers an institution.

Love of Cricket

Small expressed his gratitude for still being involved in cricket and having the opportunity to travel across the country. He mentioned that whenever he hears someone calling out "hey Gladys," he knows that person is a fan of Warwickshire. He explained that Gladys is his mother's name and it was a nickname given to him by many regular fans at Edgbaston. They affectionately shortened his name, Gladstone, to Gladys. Small emphasised that one of the things he loves about being there is the enjoyable atmosphere it provides.

According to Small, cricket clubs are not just ordinary sports clubs, but rather they hold a significant place in society and the community. He believes that they are institutions that play a vital role in shaping and connecting people. Small highlighted the decline in the number of black professional cricket players in England and Wales over the years. In 1995, there were 33 black men playing professionally, but by 2019, that number had decreased to only nine. The ECB has reported a 75% decline in black professional players representing England since 2000. The recent ICEC report referred to this decline as a "lost generation" of black cricketers.

In response to this concerning trend, the ECB has made a commitment to increase funding for the Afro-Caribbean Engagement (ACE) program. This program aims to encourage black children to participate in cricket and is currently being run by coaches from the Warwickshire Cricket Board in Handsworth, Birmingham. Small believes that initiatives like ACE can be helpful, but he also acknowledges that the decline in black participation can be attributed to various factors, including cricket's global expansion. He reminisced about a time when most counties had numerous black cricketers, not only at the professional level but also in junior ranks.

Small emphasised the importance of cultivating a genuine love for the game, which he believes starts within the household rather than solely through school or cricket clubs. He described cricket as an incredible sport that allows individuals to compete, challenge themselves, and perform in various situations.

Legacy

Gladstone Small's passion for cricket runs deep within him, stemming from his upbringing and family environment rather than external influences like school or a cricket club. He understands the beauty of the game, appreciating the competitive nature of being out in the open field, challenging both opponents and personal limits. This intrinsic love for cricket has played a significant role in shaping him into the champion he is today.

Small's legacy extends beyond his on-field performances, as his involvement in the administration of the game showcases his dedication to cricket and his desire to give back to the sport that he was so passionate about.