He was the batting mascot of the Carribean side once. A successful captain and excellent batsman, he presence on the crease gave confidence and energy to the West Indian side. Popularly known as Richie Richardson, Richard Benjamin Richardson was the part of West Indies cricket team for more than a decade.
Born on 12 January 1962 in Five Islands Village in Antigua, Richie took up cricket as a serious game in his childhood itself. He began his career with Leewards Island in 1982 as the opener. His entry into the national side was in 1983-84 season, when he was selected for the Indian tour. Richie Richardson became part of the team under Clive Llyod as a middle order batsman.This flamboyant batsman famous for his wide-brimmed maroon hat which he wore in preference to a helmet against even the fastest bowlers.

It was the retirement of Vivian richard, that brought captiancy to Richie. He led the Carribean side 24 times winning 11 matches. He lost the Australian series in 1995, which was the first series loss of west Indies since 1980. He was supported by big guns including Curtley Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Ian Bishop and Brian Lara with their excellent performances. Richardson wore West Indian jersey for 86 matches scoring 5,949 runs and 16 centuries. He was very successful against Australia, hitting 9 centuries against them. His best score of 194 came against India in Guyana in 1989. He also represented Carribean Islands for 224 One day Internationals, including 3 World Cups.

Richardson’s last international match was the 1996 World Cup semi final defeat against Australia. He also was a part of the Yorkshire team in 1993 and 1994. Currently he is the captain of the English all-star club cricket team Lashings World XI. Richie Richardson is also an expert in bass guitar. He is a part of the reggae band Big Bad Dread and The Baldhead alongside another West Indian stalwart Curtly Ambrose.

Other Related Articles“Sunny” Days of CricketMarshall: The Carribean War HorseViv Richards: The Don of Carribian CricketAmbrose: The Tycoon on the PitchKirsten: A Player Who Tried Both Cricket and Rugby Bookmark It

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