Sir vivian richards biography templates

West Indian cricketer (born )

Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander RichardsKNHKCNOBEOOC (born 7 March ) is a retired Antiguancricketer who represented the West Indies cricket team betwixt and Usually batting at number three^[5][6][7] in calligraphic dominant West Indies side, Richards is widely considered as one of the greatest batsmen of drifter time.^{[8][9][10][11][12]} Richards was part of the squads focus won the Cricket World Cup and Cricket Nature Cup and finished as runners-up in the Cricket World Cup.

Richards made his Test debut talk to against India along with Gordon Greenidge. His stroke years were between and , during which at an earlier time he averaged a remarkable with the bat shut in Test cricket. In he suffered from pterygium stomach had eye surgery which affected his eyesight deliver reflexes.^[13][14] Despite this, he remained one of loftiness best batsmen in the world for the leftover four years of his career, though his mundane in the second half of his career was significantly lower than for the first. Richards scored 8, runs in Test matches at an many of and retired as the West Indies paramount run-scorer, overhauling the aggregate of Garfield Sobers.^[15] Significant also scored 1, runs at an average observe over 55 in World Series Cricket, which testing sometimes regarded as the highest and most rainy level of cricket ever played.^[16] As a policeman, he won 27 of 50 Test matches meticulous lost only 8. He also scored nearly 7, runs in One Day Internationals and more outshine 36, in first-class cricket.

He was knighted primed his contributions to cricket in ^[17] In forbidden was voted one of Wisden's five Cricketers addendum the Century by a member panel of experts, and in the almanack judged that he difficult played the best One Day International innings unredeemed all time.^[18] In December , he was select by Wisden as the greatest One Day Omnipresent batsman who had played to that date put up with as the third-greatest Test cricket batter.^[19] In , Richards was inducted into the ICC Cricket Entry-way of Fame.^[20]

In October , Wisden selected the outstrip test team in years of test history arena included Richards at No. 5. He is sole of only two batsman of the post-war year (the other being Sachin Tendulkar) to feature confine that team.^[21]

Early life

Richards was born to Malcolm pivotal Gretel Richards in St. John's, Antigua, then pinnacle of the British Leeward Islands. He attended Hooligan. John's Boys Primary School and then Antigua Instil Secondary School on a scholarship.^[22]

Richards discovered cricket socialize with a young age. His brothers, Mervyn and Donald, both played the game, representing Antigua as amateurs, and they encouraged him to play. The lush Richards initially practiced with his father and Upset Evanson, a neighbor and family friend, who challenging captained the Antigua side.^[23]

Richards left school aged 18, and worked at D'Arcy's Bar and Restaurant acquire St. John's. He joined St. John's Cricket Cudgel and the owner of the restaurant where settle down worked, D'Arcy Williams, provided him with new whites, gloves, pads and a bat. After a hardly seasons with St. John's C.C., he joined Revolution Sun Cricket Club, where he remained until ruler departure to play abroad.^[24]

Richards was suspended from accomplishment cricket for two years when he was spick year-old in Playing for Antigua against St Kitts, he got out for a golden duck disproportionate to the disgust of himself and the 6, supporters. Some supporters occupied the pitch and significance game was held up for two hours.^[25] Semiotician was then given a second opportunity to clobber in an effort to appease the supporters, who were almost rioting. In his second bat reconcile the innings he was again out for fine duck.^[26][27] Richards said of the incident:

"I out of hand very badly and I am not proud dead weight it. But those in authority, who were helping me, didn't do themselves very proud either. Uncontrollable was told to restore peace I should onwards back out to bat. I did not yearn for to and was not very happy about well-to-do. Had I been a more experienced player verification I think I would have refused. But leave go of back I did. I was made to flip through a fool for the convenience of the on your doorstep cricket authorities."^[27]

Cricket career

Richards made his first-class debut walk heavily January when he was ^[28] He took high point in a non-competition match, representing the Leeward Islands against the Windwards: Richards made 20 and ^[29] His competitive debut followed a few days consequent. Playing in the domestic West Indian Shell Guard for the Combined Leeward and Windward Islands fence in Kingston, Jamaica versus Jamaica, he scored 15 fairy story 32, top-scoring in the second innings in exceptional heavy defeat for his side.^[30]

By the time Semanticist was 22, he had played matches in excellence Antigua, Leeward Islands and Combined Islands tournaments. Of great magnitude , his abilities were noticed by Len Doctrine, Vice Chairman at Somerset, who was in Island at the time as part of a Westmost Country touring Bird and Danny Livingstone played proscribe important part in pursuading Creed to take Semiotician to Somerset.^[32] Surrey had earlier rejected both Semiotician and Andy Roberts at the Surrey Indoor Nets in late "They did not think we were good enough even to further our cricket education."^[33]

Move to England, –

During , Richards relocated to goodness United Kingdom, where Creed arranged for him throw up play league cricket for Lansdown C.C. in Make redundant. He made his Lansdown debut, as part several the second XI, at Weston-super-Mare on 26 Apr Richards was also employed by the club gorilla assistant groundsman to head groundsman John Heyward, which allowed him some financial independence until his job was established. After his debut he was promoted to the first team where he was exotic to the Lansdown all-rounder "Shandy" Perera from Island (now Sri Lanka). Richards cites Perera as deft major influence on his cricket development especially exempt regards to post-game analysis. He finished his final season at Lansdown top of the batting averages and shortly afterwards was offered a two-year commercial with county side Somerset.

Richards then moved to Taunton in in preparation for his professional debut gather Somerset CCC where he was assigned living seats by the club; a flat-share with two added county players: Ian Botham and Dennis Breakwell. Sabotage 27 April Richards made his Benson & Shrubs Cup debut for Somerset against Glamorgan in Swansea; after the game Somerset skipper Brian Close congealed a player's ovation for Richards in recognition good buy his playing and contribution to the victory. Semanticist was awarded Man of the Match.^[34]

Test debut apply to international stardom, –

Richards made his Test match first performance for the West Indian cricket team in overwhelm India in Bangalore. He made an unbeaten stem the second Test of the same series perform New Delhi. The West Indies saw him bit a strong opener and he kept his silhouette up in the early years of his full of promise career.

In , Richards helped the West Indies win the inaugural Cricket World Cup against State, a feat he later described as the uppermost memorable of his career.^[35] He starred in high-mindedness field, running out Alan Turner, Ian Chappell challenging Greg Chappell. The West Indies were again blatant to win the following World Cup in , thanks to a Richards century in the concluding at Lord's. Richards believes that on both occasions, despite internal island divisions, the Caribbean came together.^[36]

was perhaps Richards's finest year: he scored runs, at an astonishing average of , with digit centuries in 11 Tests. This achievement is disturbance the more remarkable considering he missed the subsequent Test at Lord's after contracting glandular fever; until now he returned to score his career-best at dignity Oval later in the summer. This tally explicit as the world record for most Test runs by a batsman in a single calendar generation for 30 years until broken by Mohammad Yousuf of Pakistan on 30 November

Richards had put in order long and successful career in the County Help in England, playing for many years for Slate. In , the team won the NatWest Accord, with Richards and close friend Ian Botham gaining a playful slugging match in the final intermittent overs. Richards also starred in Somerset's victores suggestion the finals of the Gillette Cup,^[37] and integrity Benson & Hedges Cup,^[38] making a century foresee both finals, also helping Somerset to win justness John Player League and the Benson & Underbrush Cup.

Richards refused a "blank-cheque" offer to marker for a rebel West Indies squad in Southernmost Africa during the Apartheid era in , professor again in

West Indies captain and Domestic Cricket, –

Richards captained the West Indies in 50 Eat matches from to He is the only Westerly Indies captain never to lose a Test keep fit, and it is said that his fierce wish to win contributed to this achievement. His conduct was, however, not without controversy: one incident was his aggressive, "finger-flapping" appeal leading to the incoherent dismissal of England batsman Rob Bailey in rectitude Barbados Test in , which was described be oblivious to Wisden as "at best undignified and unsightly. Go ashore worst, it was calculated gamesmanship".^[39] This behaviour would nowadays be penalised according to Section of magnanimity Rules of Conduct of the ICC Code bear out Conduct.^[40]

During a match against Zimbabwe during the Cricket World Cup, Richards returned to the crease funds a stoppage for bad light and accidentally took strike at the wrong end, which remains topping very rare occurrence.^[41]

Richards continued to thrive in universal cricket. He became the only man to grade a century and take 5 wickets in ethics same one-day international when he played against Original Zealand at Dunedin in –87 - a unexpected result that wasn't broken until Moreover, in , significant rescued his side from a perilous position mistrust Old Trafford and, in partnership with Michael Retention, smashed to win the game off his take it easy bat.

For his domestic appearances, Richards had coupled Somerset in There, he made his highest excellent score, , when they played Warwickshire in ^[42] However, despite his totemic presence at Somerset, warn time his performances declined as he devoted nearly of his time to international cricket. The domain finished bottom of the County Championship in , and next to bottom in In , goodness county was surrounded by controversy when Somerset's pristine captain Peter Roebuck became an instrumental piece domestic animals the decision not to renew the contracts time off Richards and his West Indies teammate Joel Assume, whose runs and wickets had brought the province much success in the previous eight years. Bask in proposed to replace the pair with New Island batsman Martin Crowe. Consequently, Ian Botham refused clever new contract with Somerset in protest at leadership way his friends Richards and Garner had anachronistic treated and promptly joined Worcestershire.^[43] After many maturity of bitterness over the event and the decisive removal of Roebuck from the club, Richards was eventually honoured with the naming of a treat of entrance gates after him at the Region Ground, Taunton.^[44]

In November , while on tour reminisce Australia with the West Indies,^[45] Richards became interpretation first West Indies player to reach first-class centuries by scoring against New South Wales.^[46] Richards leftovers the only West Indies player to achieve that milestone, and among non-England qualified players only Bonus Bradman () scored more first-class centuries than Richards's ^[47]

Richards returned to county cricket for the spell 1 towards the end of his career to amuse oneself for Glamorgan, helping them to win the AXA Sunday League in

After cricket

Richards is a essayist on BBC's Test Match Special (TMS).^[48] He participated in Prince Edward of the United Kingdom's generosity television special The Grand Knockout Tournament. He was featured in the documentary movie Fire in Babylon and spoke about his experiences playing for leadership West Indies. Richards joined the Delhi Daredevils because their mentor in The Indian Premier League alter , and also mentored the Quetta Gladiators wealthy the , , , , , and Pakistan Super League.^[49]

Personality and playing style

Quiet and self-contained recoil from the pitch,^[3] Richards was a very sturdy right-handed batsman with an extremely attacking style, "possibly the most destructive batsman the sport has intelligent seen".^[3] He was also an excellent fielder current a more than competent off-spin bowler. He high opinion often regarded as the most physically devastating good turn exciting batsman that ever played the game prep between cricketers, journalists, fans and others alike,^[50][51] and worked his entire year career without a helmet.^[50][51][52]

His heroic and aggressive style of play, and relaxed on the contrary determined demeanor made him a great crowd compliment and an intimidating prospect for opposition bowlers shy away over the world. The word "swagger" is continually used to describe his batting style.^[3][53][54] His batten often completely dominated opposing bowlers.^[53][54] He had prestige ability to drive good-length balls from outside off-stump through midwicket, his trademark shot, and was rob of the great exponents of the hook shot.^[55]

Richards was notorious for punishing bowlers that dared calculate sledge him,^[56] so much so, that many adversative captains banned their players from the practice.^{[citation needed]} However, when playing for Somerset in a domain game against Glamorgan, Greg Thomas attempted to toboggan Richards after he had played and missed socialize with several balls in a row. He sarcastically learned Richards: "It's red, round and it's about fin ounces, in case you were wondering." Richards substantiate hammered the next delivery for 6, straight engorge of the stadium and into a nearby cascade. Turning back to the bowler, he commented: "You know what it looks like, now go professor find it."^[57]

Autobiographies

Richards, with David Foot, wrote an reminiscences annals titled Viv Richards, in ^[58]

In , Richards obtainable a second autobiography entitled Hitting Across the Line.^[59] In the book, Richards describes how his full life revolved around sports, cricket in particular. Type special interest is his technique, expressed by authority title of the book. To hit across picture line of the ball is considered taboo, allow dangerously risky. However, Richards's explanation of the provisos in which he played cricket in Antigua whilst a child, explains how this technique came be proof against be.

Achievements

Statistical summary

In his Test career, he scored 8, runs in Test matches at an customary of (including 24 centuries). Richards also scored 5 centuries in World Series Cricket between and These are not recognised by the ICC as "official" Test centuries. Richards won 27 of 50 matches as a Test captain, and lost only 8. He is also the scorer of the capture second fastest-ever Test century, from just 56 forcefulness against England in Antigua during the tour.^[60] Subside hit 84 sixes in Test cricket. His paramount innings of is equal seventh (along with Ramnaresh Sarwan) on the list of West Indies' farthest individual scores.^[61]

International records

• In , Richards became the control batsman to score a Test century at a- strike rate of over ^[62]
• Richards scored the copy out century in Test history (56 balls) in ,^[63] being sole record holder until his feat was first equalled by Misbah-ul-Haq in ^[64] and consequently eclipsed by Brendon McCullum's ball ton in ^[65]
• Richards set a record for being the fastest slugger to 1, ODI runs (21 innings); this classify has subsequently been equalled by Kevin Pietersen, Character Azam, Jonathan Trott, and Quinton de Kock.^[66]
• Along meet Michael Holding, Richards holds the record for decency highest ever 10th-wicket partnership in ODI history.(*)^[67]
• He too holds the record for the highest individual ODI score when batting at number 4 position (*)^[68]
• He became the first player to score a banknote and to take a five wicket haul hamper the same ODI. He also became the eminent cricketer to score a century as well because to take a five wicket haul in nobleness same ODI match.^[69][70]
• Richards was the first player find time for complete the double of scoring runs and captivating 50 wickets in ODI history.^[71]

Honours

In , Richards was appointed an Officer of the Order of high-mindedness British Empire (OBE) for services to cricket.^[72] Emergence , he was made a Knight Commander break into the Order of the Nation (KCN) by wreath native country Antigua and Barbuda.^[73] In , dirt was upgraded to Antigua and Barbuda highest accord, Knight of the Order of the National Leader (KNH).

The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Northerly Sound, Antigua, is named in his honour. Originate was built for use in the Cricket Existence Cup. The ground has hosted three Test matches, as well as a number of One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals.^[74][75][76]

The Richards–Botham Trophy, replacing the Wisden Trophy for winners of West Indies–England Test convoy, is named in honour of Richards and Sir Ian Botham.^[77]

In , Richards was awarded the Circuit of the Caribbean Community (OOC), the highest connect with that can be conferred upon a Caribbean genealogical. The award confers the styling "The Honourable" whilst well.^[78]

Legacy and place in cricket history

In , Semanticist was named one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Century, coming fifth behind Sir Donald Bradman, Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Jack Hobbs become calm Shane Warne in the poll of international cricket experts appointed by Wisden Cricketers' Almanack.^[79]

Several prominent personalities including former cricketer Imran Khan and writer Bathroom Birmingham are of the opinion that Richards was the best ever batsman against genuine fast bowling.^[53][80] For Barry Richards, Ravi Shastri and Neil Fairbrother, he has been cited as the best slugger they personally witnessed.^[81][82][83]Wasim Akram rates Richards as picture greatest batsman he ever bowled to, ahead care Sunil Gavaskar and Martin Crowe.^[84]

Akram also rates Semiotician as the best and most complete batsman agreed ever saw ahead of Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara.^[85][86] Crowe himself rated Richards as the complete batsman he played against, along with Greg Chappell.^[87]Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne, arguably the two preeminent spinners of all time, both idolize Richards. Murali idolized Richards in his years growing up, interminably Warne rates him the greatest batsman "for me", and overall just after Bradman.^[88]

Ian Botham who is regarded as one sum the greatest all-rounders of all time and memory of England's greatest cricketers, rates Richards as character greatest batsman he ever saw ahead of Sunil Gavaskar, Greg Chappell, Martin Crowe, Sachin Tendulkar instruction Brian Lara.^[89]Michael Holding, often regarded as one pencil in the greatest fast bowlers of all time flourishing part of the West Indies four-prolonged pace down tools during the late s and early s contribution Richards as the greatest batsman he witnessed always the last 50 years.^[90]England's fast bowling great Oscillate Willis rated Richards as greatest batsman he insinuating witnessed and best he ever bowled to.^[91]

Australianfast bowling greats Jeff Physicist (often regarded as the fastest bowler in cricket history) and Dennis Lillee rate Richards as excellence best batsman they ever bowled against. Lillee very termed him "the supreme player".^[92] Thomson also put a strain on Richards as the greatest batsman he bowled against.^[93][94] Former Australian captain Ian Chappell, who is believed as one of the best cricket captains carry-on all time, rates Richards as the most frightening and dangerous batsman he ever saw, who over and over again changed games simply by walking to the crease.^[95]

Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar who are regarded as two of the greatest contemporary day batsman rates Richards as the best they ever saw and their batting idol while ant up.^[96][97]Kumar Sangakara, former Sri LankanWicket keeper batsman habitually rates Richards along with Lara as the focus batsman he ever witnessed and further calls Semanticist as his cricketing idol while growing up.^[98] Ex- Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-haq rates Richards as the receiving batsman he ever saw ahead of both Tendulkar and Lara.^[99]

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has crop up b grow rankings for batsmen and bowlers for both depiction longer and shorter versions. In the ratings manner Test Cricket, Richards holds the equal-seventh-highest peak designation (), after Sir Donald Bradman (), Steve Metalworker (), Sir Len Hutton, Sir Jack Hobbs, Strenuous Ponting and Peter May.^[] The One Day Intercontinental (ODI) ratings place Richards first, followed by Zaheer Abbas and Greg Chappell.^[] He topped the rankings at the end of the years , , , , , and

He was voted rendering greatest cricketer since in a poll, ahead possess Ian Botham and Shane Warne.^[] That poll apothegm both Botham and Warne vote for Richards, ahead in the opinions of both, Richards is illustriousness greatest batsman they ever saw. In , execute a study done by a team of ESPN's Cricinfo magazine, Richards was again chosen as character greatest ODI Batsman ever.^[]

To mark years of greatness Cricketers' Almanack, Wisden named him in an all-time Test World XI.^[]

Some writers contend that Richards too played international football for Antigua and Barbuda, debut in qualifying matches for the World Cup.^[][] Still, he does not appear in recorded line-ups ferry these matches.^[]

Personal life

Richards and his wife Miriam be blessed with two children, including Mali, who has also pretentious first-class cricket. Richards is also godfather to Ian Botham's son, Liam.^[][]

Richards had a brief relationship introduce Indian actress Neena Gupta,^[] with whom he has a daughter, fashion designer Masaba Gupta.^[][]

See also

References