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Viv predicts England will continue to dominate test cricket. posted under: England | All news |
 The legendary West Indian Cricketer Sir Viv Richards has no doubt been thoroughly impressed by the England international test team and has predicted them to be dominant for years.
Richards, 60, who led the West Indies side that didn’t lose a single game between 1980 and 1995, twice ‘blackwashing’ England 5-0, was all praise for Strauss and his men and said they’d be at the top for a long time to come.
England, who’s good form has been on since their Ashes series win in Australia almost a year ago, beat India 4-0 in a series whitewash right after their Ashes win and got to the #1 spot in the ICC test ranking. They have stayed there ever since.
The captain of the most dominant Windies side till date was quoted saying: “England are well led by Andrew Strauss and this is a team that has the potential to create a legacy. “They have done their homework and found a solid wicket-taking bowling unit which is of vital importance at this level. You have guys waiting in the wings who are just waiting for an opportunity and their competitive edge is as good as any.
“Whatever happened in the past you have proven through hard work and investment that you can become very successful.”
After the West Indies started fading away slowly back then, Australia took over in 1998, losing just 2 series between 1999 and 2008 and setting a record of 16 consecutive wins, twice.
Since August 2011, England have been on top and had six consecutive test wins before losing a series 2-0 to Pakistan in the UAE earlier this year. They also drew 1-1 in a series against hosts Sri Lanka.
Sir Viv Richards had something to say about the away losses as well and was quoted adding: “It is up to the individuals, but in order to become legendary and great you must be able to win in all conditions. It is not just getting it done at home; it is going to places like India and Pakistan and getting a result.
“You don't necessarily have to win; drawing a series can be a good result. It's like football where away from home; a point is just as vital. Not losing, scrapping, this is what great teams do and England have a unit assembled to accomplish that.”
But the legends feel that England’s dominance will truly be put to the test when #2 ranked South Africa come visiting for a 3-test series in July and August.
“England are at home so they are going to be favourites, but I'm not going to predict this one. The South Africa attack is one of the best you can face in world cricket. They have some guys with serious wheels, like Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel and the leg-spinner Imran Tahir can offer variety too.
“So you are going to have a much more difficult series. This series will determine where England should go and where they can end up,” he said.
Will his predictions come true? Time’s only one way to find out.
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