Tom Rodwell - Third Man in Havana: Finding the Heart of Cricket in the Worlds Most Unlikely Places

by Courtney Walsh

I consider it a great honour to be asked to pen a few words to introduce Toms book Third Man in Havana. Its an opportunity to say thanks, because it was he and his charity colleagues who helped me to set up The Courtney Walsh Foundation a few years back.

Although the aims of the Foundation sound a bit serious to inspire and empower positive change in Jamaicas disadvantaged young people in order to improve their prospects in education, training and employment its really just about using cricket in different ways to help loads of kids, while having fun at the same time. This is just what Toms written about in this wonderful book.

The book is set not just in countries where crickets a passion, like Jamaica, but also where its much less well-known, such as in Israel and Cuba. Although Cuba is very different from Jamaica, its not far away, and Ive been able to see for myself the interest that there is in cricket in a country that, like Jamaica, is mad about its sport.

Its my privilege, being an ambassador-at-large for Jamaica, to be able to travel the world to help my country. One of those trips was to London, and it was there that I was introduced to tapeball cricket, a basic version of the game that was being played on a basketball court underneath a motorway. Now thats very different from the sort of cricket I played, but I could see that the kids from the area were having a ball, under the watchful eye of their coach Mikey Thompson, who is now head coach of the foundation back in Jamaica, where he grew up.

I was lucky when I was growing up in Jamaica. Being part of a strong family kept me on the straight and narrow. But others arent so lucky, and if we can get them playing cricket, understanding about fair play, and enjoying themselves in a team, then theres a better chance that theyll become good citizens and, who knows, even play for the West Indies like I did.

Coming to England to play county cricket for all those years opened my eyes to what cricket had to offer, and being able to represent my country, Jamaica, at the same time led to my dream coming true: playing for the West Indies, alongside some of the greatest players in the history of the game. This enabled me to travel to wherever cricket was played, and I was paid for the privilege. But I always tried to remember my roots, to respect my opponents and always to give my best.

But cricket isnt just about what goes on at the top level its about having fun, and it can also be about helping make a difference to peoples lives. I have seen how cricket has changed the lives of many, whether they be prisoners, the disadvantaged or the disabled. This book tells some wonderfully uplifting stories from all around the world, about how the game has helped such people always with fun at the heart of that help.

This book makes me feel good about the game I love, and I learned a few things too. I had to laugh about Toms catch off my bowling in Spanish Town jail, though. Honestly, despite what he says, it was a really easy one!

Remember, if we all help one another we can all have a good time.

One Love,

The Hon. Courtney Walsh, Order of Jamaica, Ambassador-at-large