There is something special about Antigua and Barbuda when it comes to cricket. The twin island nation has produced the likes of Andy Roberts, Curtly Ambrose, Richie Richardson, Ridley Jacobs, Kenny Benjamin, and lately, up-and-coming talents like Rahkeem Cornwall and Alzarri Joseph.
Still, there is a little extra something about Cricket in this nation of 365 beaches, 4 Cricket Knights and 2 islands. It may have started with the theatric-comedic antics of duo Gravy and Mayfield who for several years entertained crowds at the Antigua Recreation Ground aided by the original party DJ – Chiki’s Hi-Fi.
In 2007, a new era of cricket and a new legacy began at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground (SVRCG) when the region welcomed an international World Cup Cricket tournament to its shores for the first time. With the new opportunity came new rules, expectations, and practices, but the spirit of comedic antics, celebration, and song never left.
The SVRCG is just 15 minutes from St. John’s in the North Sound area and less than 10 minutes from the airport. Among the compelling aspects of this venue are its world-class media and broadcasting spaces,
No bowler holds a terror for Vivian Richards. not Thompson, not Lillee; not Bedi nor Chandrasekhar. Perfect coordination of body and mind, dat brother is really dynamite. Pace or spin, he don’t give a damn what yuh bowlin’ him. Fast or slowly, yuh goin’ back to de boundary.”It was a thing of beauty.