At 23, Richards made a late start to his cricketing career and an international debut 10 years later has robbed him much of his playing time at the elite level but the Barbadian continues to battle hard for a place in the side.

Richards was unfortunate enough to miss the England tour in 2009 with a shoulder injury but he again came into reckoning the same year against Bangladesh at home when several top West Indian players walked out following a contractual dispute. The veteran took his chances and opening the innings made 69 in only his second test. Consequently, he made his ODI and T20 debut against the same opposition before being dropped when the big guns returned. With two half centuries against South Africa, he again proved his mettle but is often criticised for not converting fifties into hundreds.

At 35, Richards has to content not only with slowing reflexes but also upcoming youngsters who are constantly pushing him for a place in the side and it remains to be seen if he survives the competition.