WI manager Richardson calls for stronger work ethic

Richardson weighs in some sound criticism and advice for West Indian cricket

The West Indies have lost their warrior spirit and desire to be the best in the world. So said manager Richie Richardson, as he lamented the change in attitude, and success, pervading West Indies cricket. “It bothers me when you see guys hang around the changing room at the ground, doing nothing like they’re still back at the hotel room,” Richardson was quoted as telling New Zealand website, stuff.co.nz.”

“As soon as you get on the [bus] you need to be ready,” he added. “The opposition need to know you’re serious and ready for business. You put on your game face and you’re ready for action, ready for business, ready to work, ready to go to war. “I think we’ve lost a little bit of that in our cricket and we need to get that back.”

The 51-year-old Richardson criticized the attitude of the current crop, but said the system in which they operate needs to share the blame for the prolonged slide of the regional team. “It’s very easy to blame the players, but I don’t blame them for everything. You have to blame the system,” he said. “If people are allowed to do certain things and get away with it then you can’t blame them. It’s tough for me; that’s not what I’m accustomed to.”

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Richardson complained that the excitement of the regional game has changed, and it has reflected on the field. He pointed out that the pitches in the Caribbean have gone from lively to docile, even though this has resulted in the development of world class spinners like Shane Shillingford and Sunil Narine.

The batting is also worrisome, but according to Richardson, the talent is still there. But the issues facing regional cricket are not just at the senior level, the former West Indies captain, known for his trademark broad brim hat during his playing days, opined.

“…It’s at all levels. We really need to do a proper study to look at what we need to do,” said Richardson. “We’re not going to get any quick fixes. There’s a lot of experts and people who know exactly what to do, but nothing is being done.

“The world wants West Indies cricket to be better. The way we play cricket, we play exciting cricket, they love to see us play. If the world wants us to be stronger, we should really do whatever it takes to get it right.”