JOIN US'Smokey, I am not going to give this Cup to Boycott'
The Caribbean’s run to the final was unhindered, demolishing everyone on their path. But in the title clash against England the script seemed to have changed.
The hosts pace bowlers had reduced Windies to 99 for four at Lord’s, raising the home team’s hopes of restricting their opponents to a meagre total. But what followed was beyond England’s comprehension as Viv Richards and Collis King smashed them around the park during a blistering fifth-wicket association.
The sight of two free-flowing stroke-makers treating a class attack like a bunch of amateurs made for brilliant viewing, but the way King put Richards into shade with his power hitting was even more remarkable. For once, ‘The King’ was reduced to a mere spectator, by another king!
At one point Richards, who was outshone by his partner, walked up to King and told him, “Take it easy man. We have got enough time.” A high-on-adrenaline King refused and said, “Hey smokey, I am not going to give this Cup to Geoff Boycott.”
The Yorkshireman did not get the Cup either. WI made 286 for nine and then bowled out England for 194.
Truly, Calypso Kings!