Quote:For many who grew up in the Caribbean during the 70s and 80s, totally taken by the great game and the great team, there was nobody like the broad-shouldered Antiguan. Nobody had ever strode onto the scene and played with such audacity and such aplomb. We doted on his every stroke.

I read somewhere once that it was worth the price of admission to see Frank Worrell walk to the middle. I don't know if the same could be said of Richards, but his measured walk to the middle, often accompanied by rapturous cheers, was enough to ruffle many a bowler.

Chewing gum was an ever-present part of the West Indian's armour; a helmet wasn't. Yet, no matter the ferocity of the bowler he faced it was the bowler who was more likely to be daunted, not Richards. His mannerisms in the middle suggested he was the main attraction and everyone else there were playing supporting roles.