ST.JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC- Former West Indies fast bowlers Andy Roberts and Curtly Ambrose and former Windies captain and batsman Richie Richardson were knighted during the first One-Day International (ODI) between West Indies and England in Antigua yesterday.
Roberts, Ambrose and Richardson, regarded as cricket legends, received their knighthood at a ceremony during the lunch interval of the game at the Sir Vivian Richards stadium.
Governor General Dame Louise Lake-Tack presented the three cricketers with their knighthood in a ceremony also attended by Prime Minister Baldwen Spencer.
“I am so proud to be in a position to honour some of the best players our island has produced,” declared Prime Minister Spencer.
“Andy Roberts and Curtly Ambrose both taught the world how rapid fast bowling could really be, and Richie Richardson showed both leadership as Windies captain and great skill with the bat. Nobody can question his excellent record of wins or the 16 test centuries he achieved during his career”.
Roberts, the first Antiguan and Barbudan to represent the West Indies, made his debut against England in March of 1974.
The bowler was part of the “quartet” of West Indian fast bowlers from the mid-seventies to the early eighties that had a devastating effect on opposition batsmen at both Test and One Day International levels.
Prime Minister Spencer paid tribute to the former players especially Richardson.
“The tenacity he(Richardson) demonstrated in scoring 194 against India in 1989 to help the Windies to a draw, when other great batsmen were struggling, shows the resilience that great cricketers have always demonstrated, and the gratitude owed to these great men by the people of our country and the region transcends political divides.” Said Prime Minister Spencer.
“We can all agree that these men have earned this honour in fine style, and players like these show the West Indies and the world how much talent our country has to offer”.
Former West Indies captain and middle order batsman, Sir Viv Richards, arguably the finest batsman of his generation was knighted by the Antiguan government in 1999.
