Mark Richardson

If one observed Mark Richardson's batting, the most polite word that one could associate with it was dour. Possessing immense patience and an ability to keep leaving deliveries outside the off stump frequently, Richardson was a pivotal member of the NZ top order, especially in the Test arena.

He started out his career as a left-arm spinner who came into bat at number 10. However, when he realized that his left arm spinners were proving to be ineffective, Richardson worked on his batting in such a way that he transformed himself into a solid opening batsman. This was the classic case of the Ugly Duckling literary tale coming true, where a tail-ender transformed himself into a top order batsman.

Richardson made his Test debut against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo in 2000. He came close to scoring a century in the second Test at Harare but he was dismissed for 99 when Mluleki Nkala trapped him LBW. He continued to score fifties but was unable to convert those fifties into a century. He finally managed to achieve this feat against Pakistan in the 3rd Test at Hamilton in 2001.

His next big moment came against India in Wellington in 2002. On a green track, Richardson showed his tremendous power of staying at the crease. He countered the swing bowlers exceptionally and scored 89 as New Zealand won the match by 10 wickets. He was declared the Man of the Match.

Richardson reserved his best for India again, this time at Mohali in 2003. On a flat deck, he scored his highest Test score of 145. Three other Kiwi batsmen scored centuries as New Zealand piled on 630/6 declared, their highest score overseas. Against England in 2004, he scored 93 and 101, but New Zealand still lost the match by seven wickets. He announced his retirement in 2004 as he felt that he lacked the intensity to sustain himself at international level. He now works as a commentator for Sky Sports NZ and is also a presenter for Radio Sports.

Richardson jokingly boasts about some of his achievements. In Tests, he has a bowling average of 21, which is much better than Richard Hadlee's average of 22.29. However, the fact is that Richardson has picked up only one Test wicket while Hadlee picked up 431. Richardson took his lone Test wicket against Pakistan in 2001 when he dismissed Mohammad Yousuf after he scored 203. Richardson played a vital part in denying Shane Warne his century. In the Perth Test of 2000, Warne mistimed the slog sweep off Daniel Vettori and Richardson took the catch to leave him stranded on 99, which remained Warne's highest score in Tests.

In first class matches, he has scored 9994 runs. He memorably noted that this figure was only different from Donald Bradman's Test batting average by a decimal point. Richardson has developed a tradition of challenging the slowest runner in the opposition team to a running race at the conclusion of each tour. The Beige Brigade, a group of colourful and passionate Kiwi sport fans who identify themselves by wearing beige colours, supplied Richardson with a long-sleeved and hooded running suit. He has raced against Danish Kaneria of Pakistan, Neil McKenzie of South Africa and Ashley Giles of England. He achieved victory only against Kaneria while losing out to the other two.

Richardson was fortunate to escape with his life in early 2009. He was driving down to Auckland along with fellow commentator Simon Doull and Francis Payne when their car was thrown out of control due to torrential rain. With 2776 runs at an average of 44.76, Richardson will be remembered as one of the most solid opening batsmen that New Zealand ever had.

Fun Fact: Mark Richardson's nickname is Rigor because he moves like a dead man. The word Rigor is the short form of Rigor Mortis, which is a Latin word meaning stiffness of death.

By Siddharth Vishwanathan