PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Former Test batsman Bryan Davis and ex-West Indies team manager Omar Khan have both knocked Denesh Ramdin for his controversial gesture aimed at legendary batsman Sir Vivian Richards during the just concluded third Test against England.
Ramdin celebrated his century on Sunday’s fourth day by brandishing a hand-written sign with the words ““YEH VIV TALK NAH” scribbled on it.
The action was in response to Sir Viv’s criticism of the player following the Trent Bridge Test a fortnight ago.
Davis, who played four Tests against Australia in 1965, said Ramdin’s behaviour was unbecoming of a player with leadership aspirations.
“I felt embarrassed and ashamed … It was very immature and I’m disappointed in him. I wouldn’t expect that from a T&T captain who is in line for leadership of the West Indies team,” said Davis, who gathered three-half centuries in eight innings.
“He batted brilliantly, but I agree with Ian Botham who said it removed some of the gloss from the hundred. It took away from the whole beauty of completing a century and the satisfaction we get as cricket fans.”
The 72-year-old former administrator said it was now important the West Indies team management keep Ramdin in line.
“[They] certainly have to have a talk with him about his indiscretion and they should get a promise that that type of thing will not happen in the future,” Davis said.
Khan, meanwhile, who managed the senior Windies for nearly two years, said Ramdin’s note should have been one thanking Sir Viv rather than taunting him.
“I thought he should have been more emotionally controlled. His bat had already done the talking and it was not called for at all,” Khan pointed out.
“Viv as a commentator would have made his point and that would have inspired Denesh to demonstrate his value in the team. The note should have said ‘Thank You, Viv’ instead.”
However, Khan said it was time to move on especially since Ramdin had expressed regret.
“There’s no reason for it to be a big issue,” he stressed.
“Denesh has apologised and accepted the fact that it was something he should not have done and I’m sure the management would have already discussed it with him. The matter is closed and we should move on.”
Ramdin was fined 20 per cent of his match fee by the ICC for “conduct contrary to the spirit of the game” after on-field umpires Tony Hill and Kumar Dharmasena reported the incident to match referee Roshan Mahanama.
