5 most iconic Test matches between Australia and West Indies
The Frank Worrell trophy is awarded to the winner of the West Indies – Australia Test series in cricket. The trophy is named after former West Indian captain Sir Frank Worrell and was first awarded at the end of the 1960-61 series. The trophy was designed by a professional jeweler and former Australian Test cricketer Ernie McCormick. The ball used during the Tied Test between West Indies and Australia of the 1960 series was incorporated into the trophy design.
With the second Test beginning today in Kingston, Jamaica, here’s a look at the 5 most Iconic encounters between these two Test giants:
1. First Test, 2012
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados
With seven wickets down, 200 runs behind and two more days to play, Australia faced an uphill task. Chances of winning seemed few and far. An aggressive move from Michael Clarke to declare 43 runs behind the West Indies total, a brilliant performance from the bowlers to skittle out the windies for 148 in the second innings and a well-paced chase of 192 from Watson and co. meant Australia secured victory with 3 wickets in hand and just minutes remaining to the close of play on the final day.
West Indies 449-9 dec (Chanderpaul 103) & 148 (Hilfenhaus 27-4, Harris 31-3) lost to Australia 406-9 dec (Clark 73, Harris 68 not out) & 192-7 (Watson 52, Hussey 32) by three wickets.
2. Fourth Test, 2003
Antigua Recreation Ground, St. John’s, Antigua
Both teams were bowled out for 240 in their respective first innings of the fourth Test with Windies fast bowler Jermaine Lawson picking up career-best figures of 78-7. Australia took control with Hayden and Langer putting up a 242 run opening stand. Despite losing 10 wickets for just 175 runs, Australia set a target of 418. Victory seemed highly unlikely as the West Indies found themselves in a sticky situation as they were reduced to 165 for 4.
But sparkling centuries from Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul and an unbroken 46 run stand between tail enders Omari Banks and Vasbert Drakes sealed the highest successful run chase in Test history and sparked wild celebrations in St. John’s.
Australia 240 (Lawson 78-7) & 417 (Hayden 177, Langer 111) lost to West Indies 240 (Lara 68) & 418-7 (Sarwan 105, Chanderpaul 104, Banks 47 not out, Drakes 27 not out) by three wickets.
3. Third Test, 1999
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados
The third Test of the 1999 series will not be remembered for Steve Waugh’s 199, Ricky Ponting’s century or the five-wicket hauls from Courtney Walsh and Glenn McGrath. It will be remembered as Brian Lara’s Test, with the Windies maestro single-handedly steering his side to a one-wicket victory.
After Australia claimed a 161- run lead on the first innings, Walsh teamed up with Curtly Ambrose and Pedro Collins to rout - out the Aussies for just 146 to give West Indies an outside chance. Australia was cruising towards victory after the home side slumped to 105 for 5 in pursuit of 308. But Lara produced a one-man show which Wisden later rated as the second best Test innings in the history of cricket. He finished unbeaten on 153, securing a win with No.11 Courtney Walsh who survived five nerve rattling deliveries in the closing stages.
Australia 490 (S.Waugh 199, Ponting 104) & 146 (Walsh 39-5) lost to West Indies 329 (Campbell 105, McGrath 128-4) & 311-9 (Lara 153 not out, McGrath 92-5) by one wicket.