India v West Indies

At Vijayawada, November 24, 2002. West Indies won by 135 runs. Toss: India.

Two young West Indians stepped forward to revive the spirit of an earlier, greater generation. Their career-best performances enabled their side to buck the series trend, thrashing India despite batting first. Just as he did in the final Test, Samuels scored a maiden hundred, an astonishing 108 off 75 balls. He lashed five sixes and 11 fours, destroying the bowlers with a flair and a swagger recalling Viv Richards - though the red handkerchief he waved in celebration was a gift from Steve Waugh. West Indies scored 120 in their last ten overs. Then Lawson, summoned back from the Caribbean as injury cover, tore through India, seizing four wickets in seven new-ball overs - a blast of déjà vu from the days of Marshall and Holding. West Indies secured the series with 13 overs in hand, a remarkable end to a tour that had begun in such despair.

Man of the Match: M. N. Samuels. Man of the Series: C. H. Gayle.