Viv Richards, the summer of '76, and how the West Indies inspired a generation of Black Britons

The West Indies’ 3-0 Test series win over England in 1976—sealed at a parched Kennington Oval in south London—became more than a cricket story for the growing Black British community. The decisive final Test featured Viv Richards, who struck 829 runs at an average of 118 in seven innings, including 291 at the Oval and 232 at Trent Bridge, and fast bowler Michael Holding, who took 28 wickets. Holding later said he initially knew little about the “seismic” cultural impact. Gordon Greenidge helped him understand its meaning for Caribbean migrants facing intense racism and xenophobia. The Sporting dominance signaled a sustained era, and a source of pride.