Cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards says he believes West Indies cricket can return to its glory days.
Sir Viv believes cricket confidence in the region has received a timely boost following West Indies monumental World Twenty20 win in Sri Lanka.
“West Indies cricket is on the road back – winning should create the confidence that you need in other formats of the game,” Sir Viv told the Sun in the United Kingdom.
“We can walk tall again. Winning a tournament of that nature will ignite the spirit again – and winning in cricket is what it is all about,” he said.
The former West Indies captain has praised the roles played by opener Chris Gayle and top order batsman Marlon Samuels in restoring the fortunes of the Caribbean side.
Samuels has been singled out for an incredible year with bat which culminated with a blistering 78 off 56 balls against Sri Lanka that helped secure a first piece of silverware since the 2004 Champions Trophy’
Over the years he looked isolated in the team. So I told him ‘this is your last chance’ and he responded in such a magnificent fashion” said Sir Viv, who towered over international cricket from his debut in l974 to his final Test at the Oval in 1991.
Sir Viv, a member of the world-beating Windies team that won two World Cups, has commended Gayle for restoring confidence in the side on the strength of his superb run-scoring ability.
West Indies is currently in Sri Lanka to play two Tests, five One-Day Internationals and one Twenty20.
Sports.
Former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd has been replaced as chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) cricket committee.
The cricket legend has been replaced by former India captain Anil Kumble.
Lloyd has been head of the ICC cricket committee since 2008.
A release from the ICC says Kumble’s nomination was “unanimously” agreed by the ICC board at a recent meeting in Sri Lanka.
“I would like to thank Clive Lloyd for his chairmanship of the ICC Cricket Committee and to his tireless contribution to the game. ICC Board was united in their admiration for his work as chairman,” said ICC President Alan Isaac.
