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Former West Indies captain, master batsman, and brilliant fielder, Viv Richards appears set to be in the Windies party for the World Cup tournament in England next month.

It is understood 47-year-old Sir Vivian will be drafted into the party as part of The Management team and, starting with the seven one-day internationals against Australia, will join captain Brian Lara, manager Clive Lloyd, coach Malcolm Marshall and performance consultant, psychologist Rudi Webster, in the preparation of the team.

The decision to invite Richards, particularly to assist with the preparation of the batsmen, apparently follows his involvement during the third Test at Kensington Oval when he visited the West Indies dressingroom many times, talked to the players and motivated them.

According to those close to the team, the players welcomed Richards, appreciated his comments and expressed their gratitude. That, it is understood, led to West Indies Cricket Board president Pat Rousseau talking to Richards about being officially involved in the Cup campaign and after discussing it with his board and the team's management, issued the invitation on Monday and Richards said yes.