Richards is prepared to put himself forward for the cause © Getty Images

Over a rum punch in Docklands, representing his native Antigua at an international trade show organised by World Travel Market, Sir Viv Richards. casts an imperious eye across the modern game. He is not ecstatic. Speaking to the Observer's Kevin Mitchell, cricket's knight reflects on a lack of fight in the game, West Indies' decline and the Allen Stanford saga.

"It's sad ... it's very sad. To those of us who played at a time when things were good, it is crazy to know that these guys are sitting back and watching the goings-on, guys who could make a healthy contribution to West Indies cricket. Players now are a little shaky. They know the sacrifices people have had to make, they know about the legacy. It sends shivers through your spine. It's difficult to describe, a sense of anger."