†AUSTRALIA v WEST INDIES 1983-84

At Melbourne, February 11. Tied. The first tie in a limited-overs international led to more dissension than delight. With Australia requiring 1 run from the last ball to win and level the series. Rackemann was run out, having been slow to start for a single to the wicket-keeper, Dujon, who was standing back. The West Indians left the ground jubilant that they had won the Cup again. Three hours later they were informed that this was not yet so and that they must play the provisionally arranged third final. Thinking, as many did, that the regulations made a decider unnecessary, now that they had one tie and one victory to their credit, because of their vastly superior record in the preliminary matches, the West Indians were much incensed. In an attempt to appease them the Australian Cricket Board, in their own confusion, allocated an additional £18,000 in prizemoney.

After Australia had brought in Hogan for Alderman, they pinned down the early West Indian batsmen with some success. But Richards, dropped when 7, made 59, and Australia were left with 223 to win. With Smith having dislocated a shoulder in the field and Ritchie also injured (he damaged a knee while limbering up before the start) Jones was sent in first, but without success. A second-wicket partnership of 109 between Wessels and Hughes put Australia in the hunt, and after Garner had torn out Australia's middle batting Lawson set up the finish.

Attendance: 42,430