to Bermuda as Desmond Haynes' replacement for the annual charity testimonial match at Lord's on September 25.

St. Clair (Brinky) Tucker, spokesman for the Testimonial Committee, said yesterday that Bermuda had been fortunate to get Richardson at such late notice, following the unavailability of Haynes.

"It was something of a scramble after just learning about Haynes' position, but we were happy and blessed to be able to find somebody with the experience of Richardson to come here and participate in our festivities,'' said Tucker.

Haynes pulled out in order to attend the wedding of his former West Indies Test team-mate Malcolm Marshall.

Marshall remains ill following an operation in England this summer for colon cancer and his wedding was brought forward, clashing with the testimonial match.

News of Haynes' decision forced Tucker and his committee to search hard for a replacement and although they mainly focussed on Caribbean players, feelers were also put out in England.

Among other West Indies players approached were Junior Murray and Gordon Greenidge, but the latter was another who said he would be involved in Marshall's wedding.

"One thing we know is that the word is now out in the Caribbean about our annual match and it should be easier for us to make contacts in the future when we want to bring another player in. And the same applies to England,'' said Tucker.

"The nice thing about this is that all of the players are anxious to assist in events such as ours. Perhaps, just like us, it's another way that they feel that they can make a contribution to those who have supported them over the years in one way or another.'' Tucker said it would also have been ideal to have had somebody of the calibre of South African Test batsman Daryll Cullinan who ended a two-month coaching stint on the Island on August 23.

But Cullinan had to fly home because of commitments.

It has since been learned he has been omitted from South Africa's 14-player squad to tour Nairobi, Kenya from September 25 for matches against India and Zimbabwe.

But he is expected to be among those considered for a place during the five-match Test series against England later in the year when South Africa will likely give preference to their more experienced players.

Richie Richardson: will replace Desmond Haynes for this month's cricket testimonial.