WEST INDIES v AUSTRALIA 1954-55

Toss: Australia. Test debut: West Indies - D.T.Dewdney.

This match was rendered memorable by a huge partnership by Atkinson and Depeiza during the first West Indies innings. In putting on 348 they established a world record for the seventh wicket, beating the 344 by K. S. Ranjitsinhji and W. Newham for Sussex against Essex at Leyton in 1902.

The Australian batsmen lost no time in mastering the bowling. For the third time in the series they began with a three-figure stand, Favell (thirteen 4s) and McDonald scoring 108 together. The Australian innings lasted till the third day. Miller, batting in aggressive style, hit twenty-two 4s and Archer helped him to add 206 for the sixth wicket. Lindwall (two 6s, fifteen 4s) also punished wilting bowlers, reaching his second century in Test cricket, and Langley scored readily.

Another Australian victory appeared in prospect when six West Indies batsmen were dismissed for 146, but Atkinson and Depeiza came to the rescue, defying the attack for more than a day. Atkinson, the leading personality in the stand, hit one 6 and twenty-six 4's. In the end Australia's lead was restricted to 158, and as the pitch showed signs of wear Johnson did not enforce the follow-on. Favell batted skilfully and a good innings came from Johnson, so that in the end West Indies were left to make 408 in less than three hours and fifty minutes. This was clearly beyond them, but another good innings by Walcott made them safe from defeat.