INDIA v WEST INDIES 1948-49

At Bombay, February 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Drawn.

Goddard, West Indies captain, won the toss for the fifth time in the Tests, but his side made a poor start on the turf pitch. Phadkar's deliveries often ran away late and he soon dismissed Rae, who fell to a great catch by Mushtaq Ali at short leg. The same bowler beat Walcott with a magnificent delivery which went through at considerable speed, and two wickets were down for 27. In spite of muscle trouble, however, Stollmeyer batted confidently, and Weekes helped him add 110 for the third wicket. Yet West Indies total of 235 for five wickets at the close showed that they were never really at their best. Sen, India's wicket-keeper, suffered injury in an effort to make a catch. He did not appear again, Amarnath taking his place.

On the second day Phadkar and Mankad quickly finished the innings, the last five wickets falling for the addition of 51. At the end India's position was also far from bright, half the side being out for 132. Gomez and Atkinson, both medium-pace, and the more speedy Trim generally held the upper hand, and India found themselves 93 behind. The last two days produced interesting and exciting cricket. Rae earned chief honours with the bat in West Indies' second innings, when Phadkar, Mankad and Banerjee were most successful bowlers. Set 361 to win with 395 minutes left, India decided to go for the runs, and their position looked promising when Hazare, who hit a fine century, and Modi put on 137 for the fourth stand. The final over came with India requiring eleven for success, and as Sen appeared unlikely to bat, Phadkar and Ghulam Ahmed were virtually their last pair. Phadkar added five more, but an enthusiastic if disappointed crowd saw victory elude India's grasp by six runs. For West Indies, Jones, while taking five wickets for 85 in 41 overs, accomplished the best bowling of his career.