Jamaica 1976: Holding puts England to the sword after ‘grovel’ controversy

Jamaica was in political turmoil in 1976, 50 years ago. The socialist government of prime minister Michael Manley --- popular with the Afro-conscious but scorned by the middle and upper-class --- called a State of Emergency in June to quell gang violence. Several of his opponents, including the Jamaica Labour Party's Olivia Grange and Pearnel Charles were jailed.

An election was held in December, days after reggae star Bob Marley was shot at his St Andrew home, and just three days before the Smile Jamaica peace concert took place at National Heroes Park in Central Kingston. Sprinter Donald Quarrie won a gold medal at the Montreal Olympics, while fast-bowler Michael Holding bowled the West Indies to a comprehensive victory over England at The Oval in London. Musically, Marley and his Wailers released the impressive Rastaman Vibration album.

There were also landmark albums from Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. Today, the Observer Online continues its look at events that made 1976 such a tumultuous, but fruitful period in post-Independence Jamaica. It was the word that helped decide a cricket series, and sparked the West Indies’ rise as arguably the greatest team to play the Test game.

Led by Clive Lloyd, the Caribbean side defeated England 3-0 in the five-match series. Monday, August 17 marks 50 years since Jamaican fastbowler Michael Holding took eight second innings wickets for 92 runs in 33 overs, to give West Indies a 231-run win at The Oval. He finished with a match haul of 14 wickets for 149 runs.

The first two matches at Trent Bridge and Lord’s were drawn, but the West Indies were dominant at Old Trafford and Headingley, winning by 425 runs and 55 runs, respectively. The West Indies headed to the United Kingdom after a 2-1 home win over India. The last match in that series ended with the famous ‘surrender’ at Sabina Park by Indian captain Bishen Singh Bedi, who refused to submit his batsmen to the fiery pace of the West Indies.

In a pre-series interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation, England’s South Africa-born captain Tony Greig was not overly impressed by the West Indians. He used a word many black people in the UK viewed as racist. “You must remember that the West Indies, these guys, if they get on top, they are magnificent cricketers.