George Challenor

Who was George Challenor?

George Challenor was a West Indian cricketer who was part of the first West Indies Test side. He was recognised as the first great West Indian batsman, his obituary in Wisden Cricketer's Almanack ending with the words "His admirable batting did much toward raising cricket in West Indies to Test match standard". Challenor was born in Waterloo, St. Michael, Barbados and died in Collymore Rock, St. Michael, Barbados. He visited England three times as a member of a West Indian touring team; in 1906, 1923 and 1928.

His elder brothers Edward, Vicary and Robert all played cricket, while his uncle George Whitehall had played for Barbados in early inter-colonial matches. His brother Edward was a well known cricketer who played for Barbados, Western Province, Natal, Leicestershire and the Army. Edward and George played against each other on the 1906 tour of England, Edward playing in the M.C.C. side at Lord's.

In June 1988 he was celebrated on the Barbadian 45c stamp alongside the Barbados Cricket Buckle.