One of my all time Favourites- Richie Richardson

Richie Richardson

I must admit my love for this great West Indian batsman and ex Captain is for many reasons.Though selfishly I used to be in a relationship with a woman who truly idolised him.So when Richie did well, it invariably meant for me that the ‘dont disturb sign’ was hung on our bedroom door for a good long time.So you can see why I loved him too!Though seriously, he probably is sadly remember for being the Captain of the side that lost its first series since 1980 in 1995 against the Aussies.Thus instigating him being hung out to dry and duly driven out of Captaincy and hounded into retirement.Which in truth was very wrong for we have seen what has ensued after in West Indies cricket. The basis being down to the lack of planning in the Caribbean by cricket officials and the incompetence of their Board.Though the rather regrettable end of his career aside.

Whereas he couldnt be classed along the true greats in regards to West Indian batsmen.As an entertainer he was right up there with the best.

Everything about him reeked of charisma,from his trademark broad brimmed West Indies sunhat to his unflinching upholding of the proud traditions of the game in regards to sportsmanship.Though onto his batting and my word it was fun to watch,characterised by its brutality and his love of victimising the Aussies.Ill take to my grave his square driving, which for ferocity maybe can only be matched by a Gordon Greenidge’s cut shot.I remember games where teams had three on the fence on the off side to guard against this shot.Though did it stop him?

No Sir in no way at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He hit this shot so hard,that even if you had 10 on the fence.The ball would still rocket to the boundary before they even thought about moving to save the ball.I just loved it,he got down on one knee on occasion and just walloped it.Then to compare favourable with his shot was his brazen hook shot.He was fearless for you could have two or even three men out and he’d still take it on.He hit it in the air and often such was his timing and power he’d more often than not deposit it into the stands.

Though Richardson was more than just these shots.He could seriously play,though is often over looked by the constellation of batting stars in the glory years for the West Indies.I could go on about his centuries to underline his ability and there were many that I could bring up,but ill bring up a brief salvo that truly epitomised why I loved him.The Windies on the back of a typical Curtly Ambrose performance, where he got 7/25 destroying the Aussies for 119.So the Windies bat in the last session and Richardson comes out and with the Windies having their foot squarely on the throat of the Aussies.He further re-emphasis this feeling that the Aussies were dead men walking by belting a brutal 47. That got his team to 135/1 at stumps.Already past the Aussie total and symbolised by two massive 6′s from hooks. That had the Aussies trudging off the field,knowing that were beaten and soon to be buried! You never get the appreciation you deserve Mr Richie Richardson!