Sir Vivian Richards

Who is Sir Vivian Richards?

Sir Vivian Richards, born Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards in St. John's, Antigua, is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket. He rose through Antiguan and Leeward Islands cricket before establishing himself as the dominant force in West Indies batting through the 1970s and 1980s, blending fearless aggression with remarkable timing and famously batting without a helmet even against the fastest bowling attacks in the world. As captain from 1985 to 1991, he led a West Indies team that went unbeaten in Test series for roughly fifteen years, cementing the region's status as the dominant force in world cricket. In 1986 he struck what was then the fastest century in Test history, reaching one hundred runs off just fifty-six balls against England. Knighted for his services to cricket, he later served in coaching, selection, and ambassadorial roles for West Indies cricket, and Antigua's national cricket stadium, the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, is named in his honor.

Sources: ESPN Cricinfo, player profile "Vivian Richards" · ICC Cricket Hall of Fame biography · Wisden Cricketers' Almanack