Antigua Observer article.
St John's, Antigua - Former captain of the West Indies cricket team and batting legend Sir Vivian Richards said he will support a move by another former captain and batting great, Brian Lara, if he decides to contest the 2017 WICB presidential election.
In March of this year the Trinidadian, during an interview with Starbroek News, said he is becoming increasingly concerned at the deficiencies in the management of the sport in the Caribbean, and he would have no hesitation in accepting a nomination and contesting the top post as president of the WICB.
Sir Viv, speaking on OBSERVER Radio’s Good Morning Jojo Sports Show on Friday, said Lara, once he “brings the right stuff”, will get the necessary support.
“Well, if Brian brings the right stuff, then certainly. He is a past player … who understands the game well enough and maybe he would have had his problems in the past with board and all the various things, which we all do at some point, but at the end of the day, why not?” he asked.
“If he feels he has the right stuff to bring on board, supporting wouldn’t be a problem.”
Sir Viv, who amassed 8,540 runs in 121 Tests, also supported a move that saw young Jason Holder being installed as captain of the Test squad, replacing wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin.
“Well, I have heard maybe that some folks are suggesting that he is too young, but it is better to start at that particular age. And if he gets lucky enough and we are successful, you have a long successful period of your captain being in place rather than the chopping and changing on a regular basis,” he said.
“I believe that this individual does have the ability. Certainly, he comes over very well and you hear about the respect factor you get from other members of the dressing room and that is of vital importance because when you have that respect, it is amazing. People get onboard with you and it’s like what they say in the sailing environment, all hands on deck,” Sir Viv added.
The Antiguan, who also amassed 6,721runs in One Day Internationals (ODI), said the fact that Holder commands the respect of his teammates is a plus for the young Barbadian player.
“When you look and see what’s around him, when you look and see how he would have gone about his business as a batsman you can see there is some improvement also in future but certainly the signs are there and I think may it’s not a bad choice. We will only know when you are in the picture and he is in the picture now and we will get a great opportunity to find out exactly whether it’s a good choice or not,” he said.
Holder was announced as captain of both the Test and ODI squads two weeks ago.
The 23 year old, who has played eight Tests and 33 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in his fledgling career, will lead a 15-man squad for the October 14 to November 12 away series against Sri Lanka which comprises two Tests, three One-Day Internationals and two Twenty20s.
First Published In The Antigua Observer.