On this day: King Viv Richards leaves the arena for one final time
Sir Isaac Vivian Richards, without a doubt, is one of the most decorated players to have braced the sport. In 2002, he was chosen by Wisden as the greatest ODI batsman of all time, as well as the greatest Test batsman of all time, behind Sir Donald Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar.
West Indies enjoyed the glorious era where they were stacked with many stalwarts including Richards in their armoury. The Barbadian scored 8,540 runs in 121 Test matches at an average of 50.23, including 24 centuries. In white-ball cricket, he represented West Indies in 187 ODIs, scoring 6721 runs at an average of 47. His staggering records, consistency and batting voyage also led to him being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2009.
The final hurrah
It was on August 12th 1991 when the world witnessed Sir Viv Richards taking the field for the final time. Richards was not the only one who bid adieu on that day. Malcolm Marshall and Jeff Dujon also retired on the same day.
#OnThisDay, TheOval, ’91, #ENGvWI
The Skipper, one of the world’s best batsmen
The prolific pacer, one of the most skilful ever
The ‘keeper synonymous with his team’s reignSir Viv, Maco, Dujon bid ? to Tests
Wasn’t the best of endings 🙁
WisdenTrophy retained, Test lost pic.twitter.com/Okfd6TiMOG
— North Stand Gang – Wankhede (@NorthStandGang) August 12, 2020
The final Test of the three stalwarts was against England at The Oval. West Indies lost the match and the series ended 2-2. England, after batting first, amassed a dominant 419 on the board due to Robin Smith’s brilliant century. In response, West Indies started off well until Phil Tufnell turned the tide in the hosts’ favour by registering 6/25.
West Indies were forced to follow-on and the Caribbean side aimed to deliver a better batting performance this time. Richie Richardson’s 121 ensured that West Indies amassed 385 runs on the scoreboard. However, all eyes were on Richards when he took guard for one final time. He looked at his best in his final appearance, scoring 60 before walking away from the pitch after his last-ever innings.
England had a target of 143 as they squared the series by hunting it down, shattering Richards’ dream of departing with a series victory. Richards, Marshall, and Dujon– all three eminent figures faded away from international cricket on the very same day without a dream farewell. However, no cricket fanatic can point a finger to argue that their contribution and legacy was unparalleled.
Knighted for his contributions to cricket, Richards’ forte was not limited to batting. His exemplary leadership skills also steered West Indies to 27 wins in 50 Test matches. The West Indies side, undeniably, never looked the same.
