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Many asked why @ivivianrichards was rated higher than the other all time greats who avgd 50+ in the same era.
It's about WHEN (& HOW) he made those runs.
I'll briefly touch on King's unparalleled ability to rise to the occasion from the historic tour of Aus in 1979/80.
[1/11] https://twitter.com/rav_man0/status/1265906079600238593
It's about WHEN (& HOW) he made those runs.
I'll briefly touch on King's unparalleled ability to rise to the occasion from the historic tour of Aus in 1979/80.
[1/11] https://twitter.com/rav_man0/status/1265906079600238593
Background:
WI lost their first 5 tours of Aus.
Toward the end of 5-1 loss in 1975/76, with Viv's Test avg at ~30 in 11 Tests in 14 months, Lloyd promoted Viv to open & Viv ended the series strongly with 101, 50 & 98 in last 3 inn (v Lillee, Thommo, Gilmour & Mallett).
[2/11]
WI lost their first 5 tours of Aus.
Toward the end of 5-1 loss in 1975/76, with Viv's Test avg at ~30 in 11 Tests in 14 months, Lloyd promoted Viv to open & Viv ended the series strongly with 101, 50 & 98 in last 3 inn (v Lillee, Thommo, Gilmour & Mallett).
[2/11]
WI in Aus, 1979/80:
Lot had happened in 4 years after the 1975/76 series. Viv had an incredible 1976 (1710 runs at 90), followed by indifferent home series v Pak. Next +2½ yrs, Viv batted just twice in official Test cricket.
The stage is set for the KING and his quest.
[3/11]
Lot had happened in 4 years after the 1975/76 series. Viv had an incredible 1976 (1710 runs at 90), followed by indifferent home series v Pak. Next +2½ yrs, Viv batted just twice in official Test cricket.
The stage is set for the KING and his quest.
[3/11]
1st Test, Gabba:
Stand-in captain Murray sent Aus in. Despite Laird & Greg C's big 50s, WI bowled Aus out for 268.
Viv made 140 (twenty 4s) with other top order contributing 30-50 each.
Kallicharran dropped captain Greg on 21; who went on to make 124 to save the Test.
[4/11]
Stand-in captain Murray sent Aus in. Despite Laird & Greg C's big 50s, WI bowled Aus out for 268.
Viv made 140 (twenty 4s) with other top order contributing 30-50 each.
Kallicharran dropped captain Greg on 21; who went on to make 124 to save the Test.
[4/11]
2nd Test, MCG (Part 1):
Original quartet restricted Aus to 156 (Top score 40). Viv pressed on to Stumps, 45*(36)! Viv continued to attack next morning in tricky conditions; was out for 96 (110) with scores tied.
Similar to the 1st Test, no other WI top 7 scored over 50.
[5/11]
Original quartet restricted Aus to 156 (Top score 40). Viv pressed on to Stumps, 45*(36)! Viv continued to attack next morning in tricky conditions; was out for 96 (110) with scores tied.
Similar to the 1st Test, no other WI top 7 scored over 50.
[5/11]
2nd Test, MCG (Part 2):
WI tail wagged a fair bit to have a 240+ run lead. Australia couldn't quite be back in the game for lot longer with the relentless quartet unleashed. A comfortable 10-wkt win & series lead followed. Viv got his 2nd man of the match award in a row.
[6/11]
WI tail wagged a fair bit to have a 240+ run lead. Australia couldn't quite be back in the game for lot longer with the relentless quartet unleashed. A comfortable 10-wkt win & series lead followed. Viv got his 2nd man of the match award in a row.
[6/11]
3rd Test, Adelaide (Part 1):
In excellent bowling conditions, Aus sent WI in, Lillee dismissed Greenidge straightaway for 6.
Viv went on the attack again, made 76 off 72. For good measure, Gordon 6 (10), Haynes 28 (90), Kalli 9 (36) & Rowe 40 (121) before Lloyd's ton.
[7/11]
In excellent bowling conditions, Aus sent WI in, Lillee dismissed Greenidge straightaway for 6.
Viv went on the attack again, made 76 off 72. For good measure, Gordon 6 (10), Haynes 28 (90), Kalli 9 (36) & Rowe 40 (121) before Lloyd's ton.
[7/11]
3rd Test, Adelaide (Part 2):
Viv took WI to 1/115 at Lunch despite being sent in. Aus never recovered. Lloyd ended up making a 100 (dropped on 69 & 87) late in the day.
More wkts from WI tail & Aus top order next morning. With a lead of 125, Viv again scored quickly.
[8/11]
Viv took WI to 1/115 at Lunch despite being sent in. Aus never recovered. Lloyd ended up making a 100 (dropped on 69 & 87) late in the day.
More wkts from WI tail & Aus top order next morning. With a lead of 125, Viv again scored quickly.
[8/11]
3rd Test, Adelaide (Part 3):
Viv made 74 off 105 this time following Haynes' 27 off 82. By the time, Viv was dismissed, lead exceeded 300+. Kalli made a ton after a disappointing series. WI went on to win by 408 runs. Their 1st Test series victory in Australia.
MoS: Viv
[9/11]
Viv made 74 off 105 this time following Haynes' 27 off 82. By the time, Viv was dismissed, lead exceeded 300+. Kalli made a ton after a disappointing series. WI went on to win by 408 runs. Their 1st Test series victory in Australia.
MoS: Viv
[9/11]
Series stats:
Viv made 386 runs in 4 inn (SR 70+). Lowest score was 74!
WI's next best: Kalli 202 (6 inn) & Lloyd 201 (3 inn), both made one 50+ score (tons).
Gordon & Rowe sub-35 avg, Haynes sub-30 avg.
Viv also made 485 at 97 (SR 95+) in ODIs.
And, 79 & 127 in FC.
[10/11]
Viv made 386 runs in 4 inn (SR 70+). Lowest score was 74!
WI's next best: Kalli 202 (6 inn) & Lloyd 201 (3 inn), both made one 50+ score (tons).
Gordon & Rowe sub-35 avg, Haynes sub-30 avg.
Viv also made 485 at 97 (SR 95+) in ODIs.
And, 79 & 127 in FC.
[10/11]
Summary:
This was one of many examples of Viv playing the key role when it mattered the most. All of this while suffering from groin & back trouble so acute that Viv was often forced to limp painfully.
PS: WI finally won a Test at @MCG after losing in first 7 attempts.
[11/11]
This was one of many examples of Viv playing the key role when it mattered the most. All of this while suffering from groin & back trouble so acute that Viv was often forced to limp painfully.
PS: WI finally won a Test at @MCG after losing in first 7 attempts.
[11/11]
