Viv Richards lashes out at WICB after Final Test washout

Of the many people who felt that they were hard done by when they could not have enjoyed the play on four out of five days in the Test match was former West Indies batsman Sir Viv Richards. Now a part of the commentary team, Richards has been perhaps one of the most disappointed with the way the West Indies have played thus far. However, the unprofessionalism of the ground staff, as well as the water logging in the Queens Park Oval, has certainly left Sir Viv fuming.

The final Test between India and the West Indies was called off due to rain and a wet outfield after having played just 22 overs in the entire match. Viv Richards added that he was indeed disappointed and disgusted by the ordeal. “It’s a pity the way the series has ended. Only 22 overs could be bowled in the game… I’m very disappointed and I’m disgusted in a big way.”

Richards, who is part of the TV commentary team, further added, “For the players and the commentary team, it’s not the way to let them finish the series. It wasn’t handled in a professional way.”

Also read – I enjoy my five-wicket hauls more than my hundreds: Ravichandran Ashwin

Another legend who had made his way out to Port of Spain Trinidad was former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Farokh Engineer. Farokh was one of the most prominent and early names in Indian cricket during its infancy. He was a part of Ajit Wadekar’s side that clinched a win in the 1971 tour of England. Engineer, who had made his way out to the Caribbean with former India teammate Karsan Gharvi for the final Test were left fuming at the wet outfield and no play. Eventually, Engineer was pacified when India skipper Virat Kohli presented him with his bat that he used to score the double century.

“It’s a mockery as you cannot afford to kill Test matches like this. The fans (particularly Indians) who have come from the UK, USA and Canada will feel let down as they came in to see their favourite players,” said a fuming Engineer at the Presidents chamber of Queens Park Cricket Club.