The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Vivian Richards reiterates stand

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Saturday, Apr 07, 2007
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Vivian Richards reiterates stand

Special Correspondent

The West Indian legend tips New Zealand to stop Australia

Vivian Richards. — FILE PHOTO

St. John's: Sir Vivian Richards has reiterated that his hat isn't in the ring as far as coaching India was concerned. He said he couldn't commit to a full schedule, but was happy to help out with specific areas such as building mental strength.

Speaking at a six-hitting charity programme, he picked New Zealand as the team most likely to stop Australia in the 2007 World Cup.

"I really like New Zealand," said Richards. "In Shane Bond they have a fast bowler. He's got the arsenal to dislodge anyone in the Australian order, that's the way to defeat Australia, to take wickets."

Having faith

Richards said that while he was disappointed with the performance of the West Indies in the Super Eight, he wasn't ruling the host out.

"Like any Caribbean person, I'm disappointed at the way they have played. But they started well, they won three matches, and then they lost three matches. So, I'm hoping the sequence continues, and they win the next three important matches, starting against South Africa."

Asked about the strong comments of his former teammates — Michael Holding, Colin Croft, Joel Garner — asking for the coach and captain to take responsibility, Richards said, "I respect what those guys have said. But, let's wait and see. What I do know is the West Indies needs to reassess where they are at after the World Cup. Whether or not anything comes out of it, we'll find out soon."

Favourite cricketers

The great batsman said Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen were among his favourite English cricketers.

"I didn't bowl as fast as him, though I wish I could," said Richards, asked if he saw similarities between Flintoff's and his cricket. "He really needs to come to the party on Sunday."

"Pietersen I wouldn't say is arrogant, but is a presence that affects the bowlers. He is a character, you need entertainers, people with humour. That's what cricket is about."

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