Sir Viv was recognised as such when he was named as one of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the 20th century in 2000 along with Don Bradman, Garry Sobers, Jack Hobbs and Shane Warne.

Capable of dominating any attack on any kind of wicket, his total of 8,540 runs in 121Tests remains a West Indies record.

He also made more than 6,700 runs in one-day internationals and was a member of the West Indies team which won the World Cup in 1975 and 1979, hitting 138 not out in the latter final against England.

Viv inherited the captaincy from Clive Lloyd and led West Indies in 50 Tests between 1980 and 1991, winning 27 and losing only eight.

He also performed with distinction for Somerset and Glamorgan in English county cricket, and is now serving the West Indies as chairman of selectors.