Rum and stumps
The Cricket World Cup is coming to the Caribbean, and batsman Richie Richardson can’t wait
Words: Tom Cowle
Ex-West Indian captain Richie Richardson explains why the Caribbean is the perfect place to host the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007
THE ICC CRICKET World Cup 2007 will be played over 49 days across nine countries throughout the West Indies. The Caribbean was a controversial choice for the International Cricket Council due to the geographical headache of hosting an international tournament across nine islands. But the West Indies is determined to prove the sceptics wrong.
And few people are looking forward to the spectacle more than ex-West Indian cricket captain Richie Richardson. Born in Five Islands village, Antigua, he grew up and played in an era that saw the West Indies conquer the world with some truly legendary players. Richardson succeeded Sir Viv Richards as West Indian captain in 1991. He was a destructive batsman, epitomising the calypso style of cricket that the West Indies has always been famous for. He scored nine centuries against Australia alone, and is known for the fact that he never wore a helmet, even against the fastest bowlers. Richardson played 86 Test matches with a phenomenal Test match average of 44. He now divides his time between Antigua and the UK, stepping up to the wicket for the Lashings World XI cricket team (an all-star team in the UK) and playing in the popular reggae band Dread and the Bald Heads, along with towering West Indian fast bowler Curtly Ambrose on bass guitar.
Antigua will be a key venue during this One-Day International competition. The brand new Sir Viv Richards Stadium in the capital, St John’s, will host the Super Eight section of the tournament and the likes of England, Australia and the West Indies are expected to play here during the knockout stages. These teams will bring loyal armies of fans with them and the cricket cognoscenti are already twitching at the prospect of a possible repeat of the electric ICC Champions Trophy Final between Australia and the West Indies. This nail-biting match took place on 5 November 2006 in Mumbai, and was the last One-Day International cricket tournament before the World Cup gets cracking in 2007.
Don’t be fooled into thinking cricket in the West Indies is all Pimms and Panama hats either. A cricket game is not just a sporting event – it is an excuse to party. This colourful carnival atmosphere is why the England cricket tour to the West Indies in 2004 brought over 15,000 fans with it. Richardson has played many Test matches in Antigua and has a great affinity for the way that Antiguans enjoy their cricket. “A day at the cricket is a great way to see Caribbean culture in all its glory,” he says. “The wonderful smells of the food stalls, the dancing – this is what makes the Caribbean so special.”
The old stadium in St John’s had the world famous Chicky Stand, where fans paid $20 for entry. On arrival, you were greeted with two eight-foot high speakers and a DJ spinning records at the front. Drinks were included and the cricket was a pleasant sideshow. Richardson is sure that at the new stadium the “Chicky Stand contingent” will get involved and help retain the spirit of the old one. Brian Lara (the current West Indian captain) scored an avalanche of runs here, the pinnacle of which was a marathon innings of 400 not out against England, one of the highest Test scores ever. “Let’s hope that the new stadium will be as kind to Brian. It’s great for West Indian cricket when he is in full swing.”
Like Lara, Richardson was keen from a young age, playing as much cricket as possible around the island in many of its historic grounds. He scored most of his runs at the Sugar Factory Cricket Ground in St John’s. He is playing there as we speak, involved in a classic competition where many of the past stars of the game turn out to bowl a few overs. “I loved playing at the Rising Sun Cricket Ground. I was lucky enough to play with the likes of Andy Roberts and Sir Viv Richards, who I learnt my trade from. It’s great to come back and see all my old friends and relax.” 
ONE OF THE other ways Richardson chooses to wind down is with the band Dread and the Bald Heads, which plays all over the Caribbean and regularly tours the UK. “We love playing at Shirley Heights in Antigua, our favourite venue on the island,” says the batsman with a smile. “It is a great place to experience the unique Antiguan spirit, but you have to stay till the end. That’s when the locals come out and really get things jumping. I also love the Frenchman’s Restaurant in Runaway Bay and the Lobster Pot at Dickenson Bay in town.” Shirley Heights is famed for its “Jump Up” every Sunday, a vibrant melee of steel bands, reggae and dancing that kicks off at lunch and continues late into the night. Sports fans should aim for the Sticky Wicket bar near the airport. Tony’s beach bar in Dickinson Bay and Cools Bar in St John’s are both excellent. The Grand Princess Casino in Jolly Harbour is ideal for those who like a flutter.
The capital, St John’s, is central to Antigua’s development, a classic harbour city that caters for the frequent cruise ships. On Friday and Saturday mornings there is a vibrant farmers’ market on the southern edge of the city. Folk crafts, colourful tropical fruits and an energetic crowd make for a fascinating morning. For visitors there during the World Cup, there is the 40th Anniversary of Antigua Sailing Week (29 April-5 May 2007). During the same period there will also be the Classic Yacht Regatta (19 April-24 April 2007) and the Antigua Yacht Show at Nelson’s Dockyard.
The World Cup will be an outstanding opportunity to showcase the West Indies. “We love exciting cricket – that’s why the World Cup will be such a spectacle,” Richardson says. But will the Cricket World Cup be a success for the West Indian team? “I think we’ve got a great chance,” he enthuses. “We showed everyone how dangerous we are during the ICC Champions Trophy in October 2006 by getting to the final. We play our best cricket at home so there’s definitely more to come.”
If the West Indies do find their current One-Day International form during the World Cup, then it will surely produce a sporting event cricket fans will get misty-eyed about for years to come.
Tom Cowle is features editor at www.cricketworld.com
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TICKET INFO
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MATCHES TO BE PLAYED IN ANTIGUA
TUES 27 MARCH: WEST INDIES VS AUSTRALIA THUR 29 MARCH: WEST INDIES VS NEW ZEALAND SAT 31 MARCH: AUSTRALIA VS INDIA MON 02 APRIL: INDIA VS NEW ZEALAND WED 04 APRIL: ENGLAND VS SRI LANKA SUN 08 APRIL: AUSTRALIA VS ENGLAND For up-to-date cricket news and scores go to: www.cricketworld.com
