Famous Cricketers No 94 - Alfred Lewis Valentine

PREFACE This monograph is a natural sequel to my Sonny Ramadhin: His Record Innings-by-Innings , published by the Association of Cricket Statisticians in March 2003. The names of these ‘Spin Twins’ have been indissolubly linked ever since they burst upon the cricket world, virtually unheralded, in 1950. As they are both still awaiting a definitive biography it is only proper that a place should be found for them in this ‘Famous Cricketers’ Series. As is usual in enterprises of this sort, I have found assistance and encouragement from a variety of quarters. Such authors and statisticians as Tony Cozier, David Dobson, Harold Eastmond, Ray Goble, Bridgette Lawrence, Michael Manley, Jimmy Richards and Mervyn Wong have laid solid foundations upon which Caribbean cricket historians can now build with confidence. I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge their contribution. Kit Bartlett has also been very kind and prompt with his help and advice when they were requested. I therefore have to thank him very warmly too. My gratitude must also be expressed to such individuals as Stephen Eley and Pete Griffiths, who work so hard behind the scenes to make this whole series a reality, and to Clive Porter for his kind permission to reproduce many passages from my article, ‘Alfred Lewis Valentine’ which was originally published by him in the Spring 2003 issue of The Journal of the Cricket Society. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, November 2003 3