Sir Viv Richards is 70
Sir Viv Richards is 70, who played cricket with his poise and courage, is reflecting on the impact of his batting which went far beyond the runs he scored 15, 261 including 35 centuries across 308 Tests and ODIs for West Indies. “As a young man growing up, I was always reading about the struggles in America, the Black Panthers. I was conscious in that way. It was a message being sent. These were defenders of your race because of some of the stuff which was going on. I was pretty strong about that. Maybe that’s why some folks would look at me sometimes and say Wow, what an arrogant guy in the way he walked out and stuff like that” Richard said.
His friendship with former England all-rounder and captain Lord Ian Botham began as early as 1974, when they were team-mates at Somerset. “ He’s a guy who I’ve spent a great amount of time with in my life, sharing dressing rooms and being in opposition also” says Richards.
Both men produced heroic displays for their countries over the years although Botham admits West Indies utterly dominated England during his Test career. Test cricket back then was the format that mattered. Richard’s Test innings, like the 110 from 58 balls in Antigua in 1986 which featured one-handed sixes, practically invented T20 batting.
“This is what my game was always about, being as creative as possible, giving the best I cab, believing in the talent you have. That is of paramount importance, for any young individual if you have it, flaunt it. And the generations who come through whatever period of colonialism, and who were responsible for that, should tell their generations and kids. Let them know exactly how some obviously gained their wealth. We played a huge part without being paid. So, we hear nowadays about reparations for slavery and that to me is a good call.”
Richard said “ Let me take this opportunity to thank all the individuals around the world who would have admired the way I’ve done things. Even the haters. I do appreciate you all. Thank you so much, for my 70th.”