Postcard (9 March 1999)

9 March 1999

Postcard

from Justin Langer

All the boys celebrate an incredible victory

What a sensational day!

Who would have imagined that the mighty West Indies would ever crumble like they did today?

Amazingly leg-spinners MacGill and Warne didn't even bowl a ball. When we walked out onto the park, needing 10 wickets to win the first Test, 'Warney' and 'MacGilla' almost started to salivate at the prospect of bowling into the angry looking rough patches outside the batsmen's off stumps. Their saliva glands quickly dried up, as history now shows that our fast bowlers, McGrath and Gillespie, were the men who did the damage, routing the West Indies for an incredible 51 runs.

The day's play has been well documented around the world, so I thought I would share a few of the post-match celebration photos from the victorious changeroom.

And what a celebration it was.

No-one was happier than Stephen Waugh and Shane Warne after winning their first Test matches as captain and vice-captain of Australia...

Man of the Match Glenn McGrath decided to put his cricket bat on ice after his magnificent all-round performance in this game...

Michael Slater was understandably pumped after his sensational century in the second innings...

As were the Aussie supporters after the game...

And the support staff, Swampy, Errol and Dave Misson...

The greatest thrill of playing Test cricket for Australia is winning a Test match and listening to Ian Healy sing out "Underneath the Southern Cross..." Yesterday must have been the best ever. Everyone here is feeling fantastic, especially the senior brigade who have taken so many beatings from the West Indies over the years. We are now thoroughly looking forward to the second Test in Jamaica where we can retain the Frank Worrell Trophy.

From Trinidad, JL