WEST INDIES v INDIA 1952-53

At Port of Spain, February 19, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25. Drawn. For most of the match batsmen were completely on top, and with Hazare delaying his declaration there was never much hope of a definite result. India, who won the toss, batted cautiously on an easy-paced matting pitch. Ramchand, who hit eleven 4's, made an effort to force the pace, but when he left the cricket became extremely dull. In ninety minutes after tea Umrigar and Mankad added only 31. Umrigar again showed his consistency, but only Ghorpade of the later batsmen did much. King bowled fast-medium deliveries accurately, but unfortunately a ball from him broke two small bones on the hand of Maka, the Indian wicket-keeper, and it prevented him taking any further part in the tour.

Because of an injured thumb, Stollmeyer did not open the West Indies innings, and another casualty occurred when Rae deflected a ball into his eye. Moreover, he was caught off that stroke, but Weekes, batting just over five and a half hours, hit 161. He and Worrell added 96 for the fourth wicket. India's catching let them down, for Weekes was missed at 75 and 152.

India, 36 behind, were in trouble when their first three wickets fell for ten runs, but Apte, also twice missed, saved them. He batted for most of the fourth day, all the fifth and until just after lunch on the last day, scoring 163 not out. Umrigar played another good innings and shared a fourth stand of 135, and Apte received more splendid support from Mankad, 153 coming for the seventh wicket. Because Phadkar and Mankad were not completely fit to bowl, Hazare did not risk an early declaration. He set West Indies to score 327 in 165 minutes, a task which was too much. Stollmeyer completed a good hundred and the Indian bowlers never looked like causing a collapse. Walcott and Stollmeyer took part in an unbroken third stand of 127.