The Master Blaster — Sir Viv Richards is considered by many who played against him to be the most intimidating batsman who ever played the game. His Test average of 50.23 was achieved in an era of extreme fast bowling without a helmet, through sheer technical brilliance and a refusal to show any bowler respect. Part of the West Indies sides that dominated world cricket from 1976 to 1991, he played innings that had opposing players standing to applaud. Captained the West Indies to two World Cup victories and set the record for the fastest Test century (56 balls) in 1986. A cricketer, a statement and a symbol.
Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards was born in St John's, Antigua in 1952. He played 121 Test matches for the West Indies between 1974 and 1991, scoring 8,540 runs at 50.23 with 24 centuries. He is considered by many the most intimidating and destructive batsman who ever played Test cricket. He struck at 47.87 — extraordinary for Test cricket at any era. He hit the fastest Test century in history — off 56 balls against England at Antigua in 1986. He captained the West Indies from 1984 to 1991 and led them in 50 Tests, winning the World Cup in 1979 and 1975. He was part of the greatest West Indies team in history. He played county cricket for Somerset and Glamorgan and scored over 36,000 first-class runs. He was knighted in 1999. His combination of power, style and sheer presence at the crease made him the most feared batsman of his era.
World Cup 1975 1979
Career Honours
- World Cup 1975 1979
- 121 Tests, 8,540 runs, average 50.23
- Fastest Test Century: 56 balls