Barry Richards, born 1945, is a legendary South African batsman and current president of Hampshire Cricket.

Known for his superb technique and perfect strokeplay, he brought his outstanding talent to Hampshire in 1968, and played for the county for ten years.

His aggressive style of batting regularly thrilled the Hampshire crowds, and he formed a great opening batting partnership with West Indian star Gordon Greenidge.

Richards had a defining role in Hampshire winning the County Championship in 1973.

He played four international Tests for South Africa, as from 1970 his country was prevented from international competition due to its apartheid policies.

He scored 508 at an incredible average of 72.57, contributing greatly to South Africa's 4-0 whitewash of a talented Australia side.

In 1971 he plundered 325 in a day playing for South Australia against Western Australia.

Named one of Wisden's cricketer of the year in 1969, he was once labelled "The world's best ever right-handed opener" by cricket legend Donald Bradman.

Richards scored over 28,000 runs in his first-class career, and made 80 centuries.

In April of this year he was made president of Hampshire Cricket , following the sad death of Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie.

Name: Barry Richards OCCUPATION: Cricketer Date of birth: July 21, 1945 Local link: Legendary Hampshire batsman and current Hampshire cricket president