Happy Earthstrong: Sir Viv Richards
An extra BIGUP to Sir Viv Richards, who in my opinion is THE greatest batsman. My admiration for this 58 year-young Antiguan is based not only on his remarkable batting ability but his personal principles and mental approach to cricket. Rarely will you find a news article not addressing Richards’ confidence, which some have interpreted as arrogance. I would have to agree with his admirers – Richards is the master and definition of swagger! From subtle political statements such as wearing a Rasta coloured wristband on field; to devastating batting, revealing his frustrations with and opposition to racism; to candid commentary on South Africa’s Apartheid, Sir Viv Richards carried the hopes of West Indians from the initial stages of nationalism onwards.
Intimidating with a broad smile, refined yet ruthless; fearless yet relaxed; aggressive yet respectful – these are attributes beyond his athletic achievements that made Sir Viv Richards a favourite on and off the field.
TOP SIX QUOTES BY SIR VIV RICHARDS:
- “If you are so much better than I am, you’ll be able to cut my ass when it comes to cricket and you didn’t”
- “One day cricket is like fast food. No one wants to cook.”
- “I have no regret in saying this. I don’t think there is anyone on Earth who is better than I am. So whatever you saw…the way Viv Richards walked out…that’s because I’m proud. It wasn’t an arrogance of such. I’m proud and I just wanted to send that proud ness that I’m here to stay and God has given me this and I’m going to administer it the best way. The only way you gonna do it is to shoot me dead. I didn’t mind that either”
- Greg Thomas was bowling to Viv Richards in a county game. Viv missed a superb outswinger, and Thomas said “It’s red, round and weighs about 5 ounces.”Next ball Viv hits Greg Thomas out of the ground and replies, “Greg, you know what it looks like. Go ahead and find it!”
- “This thing must stop and the authorities must treat this like someone with a nuclear bomb. If you have the fabric which is human civilization and human society being brought down because of color and race, to me, that is like a killer with a nuclear reactor in his hand.”
- “Some of our players today don’t seem too sure who or what they are representing. Even though the board is not behaving well they must still have personal pride.”
Sir Vivian Richards Stadium located in St. John’s, Antigua. The stadium was built for use in the 2007 Cricket World Cup where it hosted Super 8 matches.
For more information on Sir Viv Richards, click here.
