Windies legend back on county duty

Portsmouth, United Kingdom – Hampshire legend Gordon Greenidge was the star attraction as he opened a new learning facility at the Ageas Bowl.

The former West Indies opening batsman was on hand to unveil The Orbit – the Hampshire Cricket Community Trust Study Centre.

And the man who scored more than 7,500 Test runs and enjoyed a long-standing association with the county that stretched between 1970 and 1987, still has great affinity with Hampshire.

Greenidge, who is now 62 years old, said: ‘I was invited to come over and perform the opening of the centre and it was an honour to do it.

‘I am the patron of the Gordon Greenidge Primary School.

‘And the project I’ve embarked upon is to develop a library and a learning centre.

‘We’ve filled two big 40-foot containers with books and things but we’re hoping to get some computers now.’

In the suite, pictures of West Indies and Hampshire legends are on display as part of Black History Month with Andy Roberts, Malcolm Marshall and Greenidge among those featured.

‘Northlands Road held a lot of dear things in my heart and I’m hoping this new venue will give recognition to those great players who contributed to Hampshire,’ said Greenidge.

‘It’s always fantastic to come back to visit the county where I have so many fond memories.’