Former West Indies captain to meet both captains ahead of third test
Debasis Sen, Bangalore: All eyes will be on ICC match referee Richie Richardson tomorrow when he sits with Virat Kohli and Steve Smith, ahead of the third test which gets underway from Thursday. This is kind of an emergency measure by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to pacify the situation that exists between the two teams presently.
Richardson was seen today morning during the Australian practice at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) stadium. After spending a few minutes with the on-field umpires, he headed straight to look at the wickets of JSCA Stadium. There has been much debate about the wicket in the last two test matches, ICC even terming the Pune wicket as poor.
Richardson met Australian captain Steve Smith while the Aussies were practicing in the morning. It was believed to be just a goodwill gesture but many might feel that the former cricketer from the Carribbean has already started his peace process. He has earned a lot of repute in recent times with his role as match referee.
According to sources, Sir Richie has made it clear that during a high intensity series like this, there will be such moments. He is fine as long as the players stay within their boundaries and play to the true spirit of the game.
Richardson is coming straight from his native Antigua after his much awaited live performance of his “Spirited Band” along with Sir Curtly Ambrose. On being asked about his show, he commented, “Yeah, it was a fascinating show on March 03. Curtly was at his best in the bass guitar as always.”
The West Indian has replaced Chris Broad as a match referee for India’s last two Test matches against Australia by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Richardson will take over from Broad for the last two Tests (Ranchi 16-20 March and Dharamshala March 25-29). He did not see the incident that took place at Bangalore as he was in New Zealand for the series between South Africa and New Zealand.
Broad’s referee work came under fire and several former cricketers, including Sunil Gavaskar criticised him for not taking action against Australia captain Steve Smith, who sought dressing room help on DRS decision. Interestingly, not only the match-referee, but the two on field umpires will also be fresh for the Ranchi and Dharamshala Tests. Their places will be taken by England’s Ian Gould and Chris Gaffaney (New Zealand). Nigel Llong (Eng.) who was a field umpire in Pune and Bangalore, will officiate as a TV umpire in Ranchi.