WEST INDIES v AUSTRALIA 1983-84

At Bridgetown, March 30, 31, April 1, 3, 4. West Indies won by ten wickets. After scoring their highest total of the series, Australia collapsed limply in their second innings to be all out for the lowest total ever recorded in a Test at Kensington Oval. As late as lunch on the fourth day, neither team had gained a first-innings lead; by lunch on the fifth, the match was over.

Lloyd, returning to the team after injury, followed the recent trend by sending Australia in after winning the toss, but the pitch proved less lively than anticipated, a fact emphasised when he introduced Harper's off-spin before lunch on the opening day. Australia did not make the most of it, nor of a second-wicket stand of 103 between the solid Wood and the adventurous Ritchie. By close of play they were 227 for five, which was extended to 429 as the nightwatchman, Hogan, contributed an important 40 and Phillips an uncompromising 120 in 197 balls (four 6s, fourteen 4s). Phillips was 40 when Hogg joined him, but the West Indians allowed an unusual number of chances to escape them.

Greenidge, dropped early on the third day when 24, and Haynes launched West Indies' reply with a stand of 132 before Greenidge was run out by Smith, whereupon Haynes and Richardson put together a further 145. However, their progress was laboured and West Indies went into the rest day still 128 behind with three wickets down after Haynes (one 6, nineteen 4s, 383 minutes) and Richards had been bowled with the second new ball in the final hour.

Richardson, who retained his place in the team only after Logie was stricken by 'flu on the eve of the match, was dropped in the gully off Hogg when 37 but proceeded solidly to his first Test century. It was Lloyd, however, who changed the tempo of the match with a brilliant 76 including three 6s and eight 4s. Richardson's unbeaten 131 took him 7 hours 49 minutes.

Behind by 80 on the first innings, Australia then lost four second-innings wickets for 68 by the end of the fourth day and were undermined on the final morning by magnificent bowling from Marshall (three for 18) and Holding (three for 9 from seven overs). The last six wickets fell for 29 in an hour and a quarter, leaving Greenidge and Haynes the formality of scoring 18 to win.