born in trinidad, constantine established an early reputation as a promising cricketer, and was a member of the west indies teams that toured england in 1923 and 1928. unhappy at the lack of opportunities for black people in trinidad, he decided to pursue a career as a professional cricketer in england, and during the 1928 tour was awarded a contract with the lancashire league club nelson. he played for the club with distinction between 1929 and 1938, while continuing as a member of the west indies test team in tours of england and australia. although his record as a test cricketer was less impressive than in other cricket, he helped to establish a uniquely west indian style of play. he was chosen as one of the wisden cricketers of the year in 1939.