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Cricket Biography

Viv Richards

Antiguan · Born 1952

West IndiesMaster BlasterFastest Century
Batsman
121
tests
8540
runs
50.23
average

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The Master Blaster — the most dominant and feared batsman of the 1970s and 1980s, who scored the fastest Test century ever recorded and epitomised West Indian cricket's golden age.

Sir Vivian Richards is widely regarded as the most dominant batsman of his era and possibly of all time. His 8,540 Test runs at an average of 50.23 were scored with an aggression and certainty that no bowler could consistently match. He scored 291 in a single Test innings against England. He holds the record for the fastest Test century ever — 56 balls against England in 1986. He never wore a helmet.

He never wore a batting helmet throughout his entire Test career — a statement of calculated contempt for the world's fastest bowlers.

Did You Know?

Career Honours

  • World Cup 1975 1979
  • 121 Tests, 8,540 runs, average 50.23
  • Fastest Test Century: 56 balls