An Analysis of 'Test Match Sabina Park' by Stewart Brown
The speaker in the poem is clearly a supporter of England who goes to watch a test match at Sabina Park. The poem focuses on his experience at this event. He proudly wears his white skin and expects to watch a match that he believes will display England’s superiority because the English team is well known for its dominance in cricket. They have well-known batsmen like Geoffrey Boycott and Dennis Amiss and they are present at this particular match. However, upon entering, he notices that something is amiss. Firstly, the match does not seem exciting and, secondly, he is not used to such a crowd at a match. He is clearly used to a much mild tempered event at Lords – not one where there are packed stands and noise. The West Indian supporters are described as ‘vociferous partisans’ which means they are loud in expressing their opinions and they are ready to assert their objections/dissatisfaction if something is said that they do not support/agree with (‘quick to take offence’). ...