Sticky Wicket Vol. 1: Watkins at Bat

When immigrants from the West Indies, India, Pakistan and England settle in Fernwood, New Jersey, USA, they yearn to play the game of their youth: cricket. The obstacles they face are the topic of this satirical novel. Not only must Frederick A. Watkins, the protagonist who is of West Indian heritage, fight with his American wife, Gina, to spend his weekends on the cricket field, he and his rag-tag team from many lands must vie with local officials who prefer that only Little League baseball teams play on their field. In addition to facing the challenges of prejudice and political opportunists, the Fernwood Cricket Club must also wrestle with the problem of aging players, personal foibles and distractions, and the pull of family who want their time and affection. How Watkins juggles a cast of multi-ethnic characters from all walks of life to keep the cricket club alive - and survive an ultimatum from his wife that he put down his bat and pick up the Bible and accompany her to Sunday church or risk losing her - leads the reader through a true "sticky wicket."