VIV RICHARDS Q&A FROM 1980
This edited Viv Richards Q&A from the January 1980 issue of Australian Cricket magazine reveals a deep-thinking Pisces who fears all first-class bowlers and anyone trying to take advantage of him.
Name: Vivian Isaac Alexander Richards
Nickname: Smokin' Joe
Birth date: March 7, 1952
Birthplace: St Johns, Antigua
Height: 1.80 m
Weight: 85 kg
Eye color: Brown
Hair color: Black
Marital status: Single
Occupation: Professional cricketer.
Do you smoke: No
Favorite dish: A West Indian local dish called Pepper Pot that contains a variety of meats and vegetables. and red peppers
Favorite drink: Rum and coke
Favorite TV show: Starsky and Hutch
Favorite movie: The Learning Tree.
Last book read: The Godfather
Favorite music/singer: Funk and Disco
Favorite holiday resort: I haven't been on a holiday for seven years, but if I went on one it would be to either Miami or Bermuda
Own car: BMW 528
Favorite other sport: Soccer and basketball
Favorite animal: I would like to have a German Shepherd
Favorite fielding position: Anywhere in slips
Favorite ground: The Oval
Superstitions: I don't have any really, but I always chew gum on the field
Fears: Driving on a straight motorway for hours, and hours without a turn. I'm frightened I'll fall asleep. I also fear failure in cricket.
Likes: Going out and meeting people, staying glued to the telly at home, and all facets of cricket
Dislikes: Anyone who tries to take me for granted, who tries to use me
Hobbies: When I'm at home, my greatest hobby is cycling down to the beach and swimming and basking for hours
Favorite relaxation: Listening to music. I try to get deep down in my music... there is so much in it that can help you in everyday life, particularly in soul music
Best friend: An old school friend back home called Beckett
Luckiest break: Being chosen to play for the West Indies in India in 1974. It came as a great surprise Greatest cricket moment: Each time we won the World Cup, I was on top of the world. It's the only time all the cricketing nations get together in one competition. and to win it twice is just incredible
Biggest disappointment: Losing the Test series against Australia in 1975-76
Worst injury: I've had a pretty good run with injuries. I missed the Second Test against England in 1976 with a bout of glandular fever, though
Most embarrassing moment: I can't think of any embarrassing moments, but I'd imagine the worst would be dropping a catch early in the innings and then watching the player go on to make a century.
Countries played in: England, Australia, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea
Most respected rival: Dennis Lillee
Most respected umpire: None in particular
Hardest hitting batsman: Gordon Greenidge hits as hard as anyone
Hardest player to dismiss: Sunil Gavaskar.
Hardest bowler to face: All first-class bowlers are very hard to face. Anyone can get you out
Favorite all-time player: Everton Weekes
First side: St Johns Boys School under 9s in Antigua First specialist task: Off-spinner
Ambitions: To keep doing what I'm doing to the best of my ability and to go into the clothing business for myself when I finish with cricket and make a decent living