WEST INDIES v INDIA 1952-53

At Kingston, March 28, 30, 31, April 1, 2, 4. Drawn. The match was notable for the double-hundred by Worrell and five other centuries. In the finish the West Indies, already one victory to the good, did not attempt the task of making 181 to win in 135 minutes. Roy, Umrigar and Manjrekar were India's best batsmen and Worrell, Weekes and Walcott upheld their reputations. It was the first time the three W's had each hit a hundred in the same innings. Valentine, Gupte and Mankad carried off bowling honours.

India scored 216 for three on the first day, Roy batting faultlessly and Umrigar driving powerfully. Next day India, after being 269 for four at lunch collapsed against the wiles of Valentine, but not before Roy and Umrigar had added 150 for the fourth wicket. West Indies, 103 for one at the close, raced to 400 for three on the third day, thanks to Worrell, who batted brilliantly for 171 not out, and Weekes, who helped him put on 197. Both were in entertaining form. On the fourth day Worrell and Walcott, by more careful methods, increased their fourth-wicket partnership to 213. Worrell, caught at mid-on when at last he lifted the ball, scored his 237 in nine and a half hours, and Walcott spent four hours for 118. Gupte, bowling his leg-breaks skilfully, and Mankad sent the last six wickets tumbling for 33, but West Indies reached their highest score in a home Test.

India, 264 behind, made 63 without loss before drawing of stumps, then, on the fifth day, a grand second-wicket stand of 237 by the patient Roy and attractive Manjrekar gave the tourists hope of saving the match. India left off 63 runs on with seven wickets in hand, but even with the unexpected fall of four wickets before lunch on the last morning they were not really in trouble.

Pairaudeau and Stollmeyer probably were ready to take risks when West Indies began their second innings, but when both were out for 15 Worrell and Weekes set the tempo for a defensive finish. Weekes passed Headley's 1929-30 record of 703 runs in a Test series in the West Indies.