Sir Viv, Botham thrilled with series trophy

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC)

BOTH SIR Vivian Richards and Ian Botham have hailed the unveiling of the new Richards-Botham Trophy, for which England and the West Indies have already begun to play.

The Richards-Botham Trophy replaces the Wisden Trophy which served as the symbol of competition between the two teams for the last six decades until being retired following the 2020 series in England.

“It’s a truly special feeling to have this fantastic trophy named in honour of my friend Ian and myself,” Sir Viv said following a ceremony on Sunday at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.

“We played a lot together and built a great friendship on and off the cricket field. As I said earlier, I am truly delighted to know that the game that I have shown my love for is naming such a prestigious award in recognition of what I managed to achieve.

“It’s a beautiful trophy and I want to again thank everyone who came up with this idea and contributed to its creation.”

Botham, perhaps England’s greatest ever all-rounder, said: “It’s a great idea and a truly lovely trophy. It really stands out and I’m honoured to have my name on the trophy alongside my friend Sir Viv.

“The captain who picks up the trophy at the end of the upcoming series will be a happy man.”

West Indies were made to bowl at England in the opening Test at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium yesterday, with the visitors ending the day on 268 for six.

The second Test is carded for Kensington Oval in Barbados from March 16-20.

The series will climax with the third Test at Grenada’s National Stadium from March 24-28.

EXTRA SPECIAL

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who took over the leadership of the Test side last year, said the new trophy made the series “extra special”.

“It’s extra special too that we’re playing for the new Richards-Botham trophy, a fitting tribute to these two great men. We want to be the first team to get our hands on it and celebrate with our fans,” said Brathwaite.

Brathwaite’s opposite number Joe Root, who presided over England’s 2-1 series defeat on the last tour here three years ago, said he felt a sense of pride given the stature of the men after whom the trophy is named.

“Test series between England and West Indies are iconic, and to have a trophy named after arguably the two most outstanding England and West Indies cricketers of all-time in Lord Ian Botham and Sir Vivian Richards is a fitting tribute for this great rivalry,” Root said.