Wisden
Third Test Match

WEST INDIES v AUSTRALIA 1954-55

At Georgetown, April 26, 27, 28, 29. Australia won by eight wickets, thus making themselves safe from defeat in the rubber. Four West Indies alterations, involving the inclusion for the first time of Marshall, behind the wicket, and Depeiza, did not strengthen the side in the manner expected, and an unchanged Australian team, despite the absence from the attack of the left-handed Johnston, injured, triumphed with well over two days to spare.

Miller began the West Indies troubles on the first day and by lunch-time five men were out for 86. Weekes did his best to stem the tide, but when he left Benaud, with leg-breaks, caused another collapse, taking four wickets in the course of 23 deliveries for 15 runs. Though McDonald and Morris began with a partnership of 71, Australia lost half their wickets in gaining a lead, and for their first innings advantage of 75 owed much to brisk hitting by Benaud.

The fall of three wickets for 25 in the second innings virtually sealed the fate of West Indies. Walcott and Worrell effected a recovery by adding 125, but, splendidly supported by Langley behind the wicket, Johnson brought about such a breakdown that the last five wickets realised only 57. Langley, in sharing in the dismissal of five batsmen in an innings, equalled the record of Oldfield.

Set 133 to get, Australia won in the first over after lunch on the fourth day.

© John Wisden & Co