Mark Richardson (cricketer)

Mark Hunter Richardson (born 11 June 1971, Hastings, New Zealand) is a former New Zealand cricketer. He was a left-handed opening batsman. He represented New Zealand in 38 Tests from 2000 to 2004. During his cricketing career he played for Auckland, Buckinghamshire and Otago. His nickname, "Rigor", is short for Rigor mortis, given to him on account that he moved like a dead man. He was also known as "snail man" due to his slow running. Although his team mates called him this in playful tones, he told 3 News he had had a "guts full" of it.

Richardson began his career as a left-arm spinner, batting at number 10. As his bowling ability declined, he worked on developing his batting, to the point where he was selected as an opening batsman for New Zealand, at age 29. His dour (he described the range of shots he played as "the straight drive, the forward defensive and 27 variations on the leave") approach to batting provided vital stability to New Zealand's batting order, at a time when they were notorious for collapses.

Richardson scored 2776 Test runs at an average of 44.77, including four centuries and 19 fifties. His sole Test wicket came in a match against Pakistan in 2001, dismissing Mohammad Yousuf, then known as Yousuf Youhana, caught and bowled for 203.

In addition to his slow running, Richardson was also noted for...
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