Richards-Botham trophy to replace Wisden trophy for next England-West Indies series

The third Test match between England and West Indies at Old Trafford, Manchester will be the last Test under the Wisden Trophy. The next time both of these teams will lock horns against each other in the Carribean in February-March 2022 for two Test matches, they will compete for the new Richards-Botham trophy.

The trophy is named in honour of West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards and England’s former talisman all-rounder Sir Ian Botham. Both the former legends played alongside each other for English county Somerset before they played against one another at the top level.

Meanwhile, the Wisden Trophy was introduced in 1963 to mark the centenary of the Wisden Almanack Cricket bible.

However, former England captain Michael Atherton suggested during the commentary that the two teams should compete for the series which is named after the fine cricketers of both the countries like Australia and India take on each other in the Border-Gavaskar trophy named after Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar.

“This is a huge honour for my good friend Ian and myself,” said Richards. I am delighted to know that the game that I have shown my love for since a little boy is naming such a prestigious award in my recognition of what I managed to achieve as a cricketer,” added the 68-year-old Antiguan.

Botham, who is regarded as one of the best all-rounders of the game said, “Viv was the finest batsman I ever played against.

“He’s a great friend but we’ve always been competitive, not least when we were on the cricket field, and there was no one else’s wicket I would treasure more.

Meanwhile, Vivian Richards and Ian Botham played against one another in 20 Test matches. It was Vivian Richards who enjoyed more success as the West Indies won 13 matches out of these 20 matches.

Vivian Richards had a great record while playing against England as he was at the peak of his powers. The attacking batsman scored his runs at an impressive average of 62.36 in 36 Test matches against England, which included eight centuries.

On the other hand, Botham didn’t enjoy the same success as Richards as the all-rounder scalped 61 wickets, including three five-wickets hauls in 20 Test matches. The right-hander also scored four half-centuries against the potent West Indies team.

It makes more sense to rename the series as Richards-Botham trophy to honour the former legends of the game.

Meanwhile, West Indies had won the first Wisden Trophy in 1963 when Frank Worrell’s team defeated England by 3-1.