INDIA v WEST INDIES 1948-49

At Calcutta, December 31, January 1, 2, 3, 4. Drawn. The pitch was not entirely devoid of grass, and early on showed signs of helping India's attack. Banerjee moved the ball about at a good pace and speedily accounted for Rae and Atkinson. Then came stout opposition from Weekes and Walcott, who soon dispelled India's hopes of a collapse. Weekes revealed flawless technique, his third consecutive century of the series perhaps being even sounder than his previous efforts. West Indies were all out on the second day for 366, and India, after the early departure of Ibrahim, made a good reply. Mushtaq Ali, Modi and Hazare all batted well, India being satisfied with 204 for two wickets at the close. Next day the new ball wrecked their chance to get on top; Modi, Hazare and Amarnath left for the addition of only six runs. Goddard's off-breaks, Ferguson's leg spin, and varied deliveries by Gomez brought a complete break-down, eight wickets falling in a hour and three-quarters for 68. Owing to an attack of fever, Walcott retired for a time, his place behind the wicket being taken by Christiani. West Indies, going in again 94 ahead, were not happy until Weekes joined Walcott. On the fourth day the completion by Weekes of his fifth successive Test hundred and fourth of the series overshadowed everything else. The first of these two feats meant a world record by this young player. Walcott's 108 in 175 minutes was also noteworthy because he was not fit. West Indies declared at 336 for nine wickets, and India, needing 431 to win, concentrated on saving the game. Taking nearly two hours overnight for 64 without loss, they lost only three wickets during the last day, but Mushtaq Ali and Modi, the principal run-getters, were both missed in the slips after the appearance of the new ball at 204.