"We have the power, we have the personnel" - Sir Viv Richards makes West Indies T20 World Cup prediction

HUW TURBERVILL: Richards was at Lord's with his other Antiguan cricket legends, Sir Curtly Ambrose, Sir Richie Richardson and Sir Andy Roberts, to promote the tournament, which kicks off on June 2

West Indies have the firepower to win the T20 World Cup for a third time this year, according to their greatest batter, Sir Viv Richards.

The 72-year-old played in 121 Tests and 187 one-day internationals, but no T20Is, as the format made its international bow after he had left the stage. Innings like his 56-ball century in the Test against England at St John's, Antigua, in 1986 leave no doubt that he would have been a sensation in it, though.

"I honestly believe West Indies will win the World Cup," Richards told The Cricketer. "We have the power, we have the personnel. We have done it twice before (2012 and 2016) and this tournament is in our own backyard.

"It's a brilliant opportunity to revive West Indies cricket with the support of our great fans. Our squad has everything that you need for T20, and our players have the experience of playing in franchise tournaments around the world. I'm not worried who we will play in the final, just that we get to the final."

^{West Indies underlined their tag as tournament contenders by beating defending champions England last December (Getty Images)}

Richards was at Lord's with his other Antiguan cricket legends, Sir Curtly Ambrose, Sir Richie Richardson and Sir Andy Roberts, to promote the tournament (June 2–29) and tourism to their wonderful island.

Ambrose, 60, agreed with the man he calls ‘the skipper'. "We have the firepower to get the job done, as long as we play smart cricket and stay one step in front of our opponents," he said.

Richardson is looking forward to seeing West Indies' new fast-bowling sensation Shamar Joseph - the matchwinner in the shock win over Australia at The Gabba in the second Test earlier in the year. 

"Cricket in the West Indies is totally different – the music, the party vibes. And there is no place like Antigua"

"His passion and enthusiasm reminds me of West Indies fast bowlers back in the day," Richardson said. "He has heart, bowls in good areas, and I have been most impressed by his approach to international cricket.

"I hope that he does not get too caught up in T20, and plays Test cricket as well. I recall Kagiso Rabada of South Africa refusing to play in his first IPL as he wanted to develop his game. That was a great move. The pressure of T20 can change your game – it is hard work for the bowlers, and can affect you mentally."

In a similar vein, Roberts would like the ICC to help bowlers in T20 more. "Knowing that the ball will be pitched in a certain era is such an advantage for batsmen," the 73-year-old said.

"They can anticipate the ball, clear the front leg and swing. I'd like to see bowlers be allowed to bowl two bouncers an over, and that will make them think differently."

The Sir Viv Richards Stadium will host eight tournament matches (Ashley Allen/Getty Images)

The Viv Richards Stadium in Antigua will host four first-round games – Oman v Scotland (June 9), Australia v Namibia (June 11), England v Oman (June 13) and Namibia v England (June 15).

Then it will stage four Super Eight matches, on June 19, 20, 22 and 23. Twenty sides will play 55 games in the tournament, with six for the first time in the United States.

Related: Men's T20 World Cup 2024 fixtures: Full schedule, match list

"It's very exciting," added Ambrose. "Cricket in the West Indies is totally different – the music, the party vibes. And there is no place like Antigua. I have travelled around the whole region, and the atmosphere is totally different. The party started in Antigua, thanks to Chickie's disco."

Richardson, 62, who took over as West Indies captain after Richards, said that the West Indies is "the greatest place to watch cricket, and hopes that the players will make the people of the Caribbean proud."

For more information on Antigua & Barbuda, visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com

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