Barry Richards was South Africa’s most successful and technically sound batsman. Although Barry represented South Africa in just four Test matches, his influence was such that the cricket fraternity still counts him as one of the legends of the game. Barry’s cricketing career has been nothing short of inspirational as the right-handed batsman put up many stellar performances against all odds. As the batsman turns 76 on July 21, let’s take a look at some lesser known facts about him:
Worked as a clerk in an insurance company
It is not known to many, but before starting his career as a professional cricketer, Barry worked as a clerk in South Africa Mutual Insurance Company. The right-handed player had a habit of becoming a cricketer since childhood, however, some family problems forced the batsman to take up the job of a clerk. Barry’s tenure at the insurance company was cut short when Gloucestershire offered him to play for their second XI.
West Indies Dressing Room Attendant
Playing for Gloucestershire in 1966, Barry had a golden opportunity to rise to the top in the dressing room of the West Indies team. The 76-year-old was offered the job of a dressing room attendant during a Test match at the Oval. While essaying his job, Barry got the chance to meet some of the greatest Caribbean players, including Rohan Kanhai, Conrad Hunt, Seymour Nurse, Wes Hall, Lance Gibbs and Gary Sobers.
tenure with Hampshire
One of the golden moments of the batsman’s career was his phenomenal stint with Hampshire in 1968. Before joining Hampshire, Barry made headlines by revealing that he wanted to score 2000 runs for the county. The batsman, who was just 22 at the time, lived up to his promise as he ended the season with 2395 runs under his belt, including five centuries at an average of 47.90.
losing out on the national call-up
Barry made his debut for South Africa in 1970. The batsman was originally supposed to make his debut during South Africa’s tour of Australia in 1966–67. However, Barry’s misconduct during an event prolonged his wait for the first Test cap. Before the main Test series against Australia, the South Africa XI was involved in the tour against the visiting team. After a game, both teams were invited to a local hotel for a cabaret.
Barry and some other players who reached the hotel were also stopped by the gatekeeper despite being invited. Angered by the same, the batsman kicked a large vase which fell on the ground. Things got worse when the hotel authorities threatened to call the police.
However, a South African selector who was watching the entire episode helped Barry out of the situation. However, this affected the batsman’s chances as he was made to bat in the lower position in the next game, while he was not found in the playing XI in the main Test match.
short international career
Barry made his much-anticipated debut for South Africa in 1970 against Australia as the two teams faced each other in a four-match Test series. During the Test series, Barry showed his class and flair as he scored 508 runs at an average of 72.57. His exploits helped the South African team comprehensively defeat Australia 4–0. However, this was the first and only Test series that Barry could play at an international level as South Africa was banned by the ICC.
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