Bryden: RSA looks for a replacement for Richardson (28 Jul 95)

Search Begins for Future Test `keeper, Spinners

Colin Bryden

South African Test wicketkeeper, Dave Richardson has told the United Cricket Board he may retire after the World Cup in Pakistan and India next February and March.

The announcement by Richardson, who turns 36 in September, adds impetus to the search for a successor to one of South Africa`s finest wicketkeeper/batsmen.

Wicketkeepers as well as spin bowlers have become the top priority for the United Cricket Board and both categories of player will be invited to a special seven-day course at the Plascon Academy in Johannesburg from September 7 to 13.

South Africa`s leading spin bowlers, including national team members Clive Eksteen and Pat Symcox, will attend a spin bowling course to be run by former Australian offspinner Ashley Malett. The objective is to polish the skills of bowlers who could be selected for three South African tours to India and Pakistan in the next three seasons, where good spin bowling is essential. The course will culminate with a 65-overs-a-side all-spin match. Each team will consist of 5 batsmen, five spin bowlers and a wicketkeeper.

Richardson has played in all 22 Tests and 69 of 72 one-day internationals involving South Africa since 1991. Understudies who have toured with SA teams include Steve Palframan, Errol Stewart and Gerhardus Liebenberg but none have managed to instal themselves as an obvious successor.

Source : Sunday Times