Richardson’s passion for cricket leads to a solid career

For former West Indies fast bowler, Andrew 'Trash' Richardson, cricket has been a lifelong love affair. A career in high school led to professional competition and further into management, solidifying his commitment to the gentleman's game.

Richardson has come full circle as he currently manages the Caribbean Premier League franchise Jamaica Tallawahs: "I was introduced to the game by uncles and went on to play at Kingston College while I studied. I also played for Jamaica at the Under-15 level in 1996 and 1997 where I captained the team. I went on to play on the Under-19 Jamaica team and was called to the West Indies team in 1999 and 2000," Richardson recalled.

He also played for Sawbridgeworth Cricket Club in Hertfordshire, England, in 2007 and 2008. During the 2008/09 season, Richardson helped Jamaica win the Regional Four-Day Competition by taking 33 wickets at an average of 23.12

First-class matches

Following this, it was announced that Richardson would replace the out-of-form Darren Powell in the West Indies squad for the tour of England in April 2009. Richardson claimed 192 wickets in his 68 first-class matches at an average of 23.96.

The enjoyment of the game for Richardson is etched in his competitive nature "Knocking over a batsman's stumps, watching it cartwheel is a wonderful sight,"he explained.

The game of cricket, though loved by many, has a few terms not understood by all.

"A concept in cricket some seem to not comprehend is 'One Short'. This is when a batsman didn't complete a run, by not grounding his bat or any part of his body behind the crease but tries to complete a second or third run," Richardson explained.

Despite his love for the game, Richardson admits some not-so-great moments have occurred on his journey: "My worst game ever was my first game for Kingston College U-14 against Camperdown where my best friends played. I was used as a silly mid-on fieldsman and wasn't asked to bowl all game by the captain. That wasn't funny."