Gullivers Sports Travel has been appointed as an Official Tour Operator of Cricket West Indies for the 2022 tour
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Take a trip of a lifetime this winter and see who will lift the Richards-Botham Trophy in the captivating Caribbean. England’s tour to the West Indies between January 22 and March 28 2022 will consist of five T20 internationals played in Barbados before three scintillating Test matches in Antigua, Barbados and Grenada. If you’re looking for the ultimate bucket-list experience, take a look at what these islands have to offer.
From the pirate past of its capital, St John’s, to the offshore coral reefs that encircle the island, Antigua is a true gem in the Caribbean’s crown. The island is widely described as having a different beach for each day of the year – these beaches are utterly breathtaking with crystal clear turquoise waters and a rich array of coral and marine life, making snorkelling a must-do when visiting!
One of the must-see sights on Antigua is Shirley Heights, a military lookout that has a spectacular view over the English and Falmouth Harbours. As well as having historical significance, the lookout is also famous for its Sunday night parties. With the unforgettable sound of steel drums and fantastic tasting local food, it never fails to get visitors up on their feet.
As Sir Vivian Richards’ homeland, the island is steeped in cricketing history and has hosted many famous Tests over the years. The stadium now bears the mesmeric batsman’s name and is sure to showcase a fantastic cricketing contest when the first Test commences. In 2019 the West Indies outclassed England to beat the side by a thoroughly convincing 10 wickets on a pitch that can often be challenging for the batsmen. In 2022 England will be hoping that their fast bowlers can take advantage of the subcontinent-style conditions.
Barbados is the largest and most populous island out of the three that the tour visits. Much like Antigua, the island has cricket woven into its history, with the locals cricket-mad! Though its prettiest beaches are around the West Coast, it is well worth a trip around the whole island, stopping at Bridgetown, Holetown, St Lawrence, and Sam Lord’s Castle. For those looking to let their hair down, a visit to one of the island’s famous rum distilleries is a must, additionally, Oistins’ Friday night fish fry captures the island’s rich culture perfectly.
Barbados’ English roots are evident throughout its landmarks and landscapes. Stone-built Anglican churches criss-cross the island which collides with African influences that are in the country’s food and culture.
Barbados’ Kensington Oval is among the world’s most picturesque and memorable grounds, known for its carnival-like atmosphere during matches, it has become the Mecca for cricket in the Caribbean. The stadium underwent a huge amount of redevelopment in 2006 and 2007 in preparation for the 2007 Cricket World Cup and now has a fantastic new pavilion named after the great Sir Garfield Sobers, as well as well covered new seating around the ground.
The island of Grenada is widely known as the ‘Spice Isle’ due to its rich history in the spice trade. The hilly main island is home to numerous nutmeg plantations making it a highly prized asset in its colonial past.
Much like Antigua, Grenada is full of natural beauty and outstanding scenery, making it one of the most desirable islands in the Caribbean. Stretched across the picturesque landscape are Georgian buildings, modern resorts, bars and colourful homes.
To make the most of the phenomenal environment, Fort George cannot be missed. The vantage point built in 1706 by the French, originally named Fort Royal, was named Fort George after the British occupation of the island. The fort has a spectacular view of the town and harbour in addition to the southern coastline towards Grand Anse Beach.
The last Test match played between the two sides in Grenada was back in 2015. James Anderson had one of his inspired bowling spells which helped produce a remarkable victory in which the West Indies lost eight wickets for just 83 runs in the space of 30.4 overs. In the 2022 rendition of the match, England will be hoping they can replicate this victory in what may be a pivotal third and final Test in the series.
Gullivers Sports Travel has been appointed as an Official Tour Operator of Cricket West Indies for the 2022 Tour. Their expertise and previous tour experience built up over the past 49 years has meant that we are meticulous in the way they plan their tours. The Gullivers team make sure you can travel with complete confidence and peace of mind to the West Indies. The product webpages and booking system have all the details surrounding specific entry requirements for each ground and as always, the Gullivers team are always happy to help if you have any questions.
Visit www.gulliverstravel.co.uk for all the details on our full range of supporter packages covering the duration of the Tour or phone 01684 878611 for more information
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