Postcard (6 March 1999)

6 March 1999

Postcard

from Justin Langer

Day 2: First Test at Queen's Park Oval, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad

"Ooh aah Glenn McGrath, I said ooh aah Glenn McGrath."

This familiar chant from the Aussie supporters was strong this afternoon as 'Pigeon' roared through the West Indian batting line-up. After sharing in a magnificent 60-run partnership earlier in the day with fast bowling partner Jason Gillespie, our big, lovable 'quick', finished off what must have been one of his most enjoyable days of Test cricket with four invaluable wickets.

His batting was, to his team-mates, almost as enjoyable as his bowling. Some would say that his effort was a pure miracle, while others more in the know would say that it is a tribute to his persistent hardwork and commitment in the practice nets. The big fella has always fancied himself with the blade, and I can tell you his constant misfortune while batting has caused him no end of embarrassment and grief. Today he finally turned the tide and broke the shackles as he played the West Indian pace brigade as though he was a seasoned pro.

Having worked with Steve Waugh, for as long as I can remember, on improving his batting skills today was an enjoyable reward for both master and student. Unfortunately he just missed out on the double bonus, as he has a lifetime bet with Mark Waugh and Shane Warne that he will never score a first-class or Test 50. History would say that this is the safest bet that Warney and Junior have ever undertaken, but if today is any hint of things to come in the future, then 'Pigeon' could become a very rich man.

Before the start of play today I took a photo of 'Dizzy' Gillespie as he was padding up to go into bat. Armed with chest guard and arm guard 'Dizzy' assured me that he was ready to take on the West Indian pacemen. To his credit he did just that, and it could be his and Glenn's contribution with the bat that makes all the difference in this first Test.

Taking six wickets in the last 50 minutes was an incredible turnaround for us. Brian Lara and debutante David Joseph looked at ease as they posted an 80-run partnership, but when they were both dismissed the momentum shifted back into our favour.

BC Lara is a huge key in this series. If we are able to keep him down for the majority of the series then I think the West Indians are going to have to play very, very hard for the four Tests. He is simply a sensational batsman who scores with the ease and elegance of the greatest of players. Unfortunately we saw some of his brilliance today, luckily it was short lived.

A final session like today is a major morale booster for the good guys. It is sweet to taste a good day's success; another big day tomorrow and we will certainly be in the box seat on a rapidly deteriorating Trinidad pitch.

From Trinidad, JL