WEST INDIES v AUSTRALIA 1977-78

At St John's, Antigua, February 22. West Indies won on faster scoring rate. After an uncertain start in which they lost their first five wickets for 121, West Indies recovered to such an extent that they totalled 313 for nine off their 50 overs. Australia never made a worthwhile challenge and, when fading light caused play to be halted, they were 181 for seven off 36 overs and lost on an inferior scoring rate.

West Indies owed their triumph to a dazzling innings by Haynes, their young opener playing in his first international match. Ignoring his own unsteady beginning and the plight of his team, he stroked the ball to all parts of the field, which had recently been regarded. Sixth out, he made 148 out of 247 from only 136 balls, hitting two 6s and sixteen 4s. Haynes received admirable support from the reliable Deryck Murray, leading the team in the absence of Lloyd who had not yet returned home. The pair added 126 for the sixth wicket and put the match beyond Australia. Eventually Thomson, troubled severely by no-balls and punished by Haynes earlier, returned to bowl the opener and claim two more late wickets.

There was only one notable innings when Australia set about their mammoth task. Cosier attacked all bowling belligerently for 84 before he hooked Croft to long-leg. It was always evident to a crowd of 13,444 which packed the ground that Australia had no hope, even though the light did not allow them to complete their 50 overs.

Haynes was the outstanding candidate for the Man of the Match award.

West Indies 313 for nine (50 overs) (D. L. Haynes 148, D. L. Murray 51, J. R. Thomson four for 67); Australians 181 for seven (36 overs) (G. J. Cosier 84, J. Garner three for 29, C. E. H. Croft three for 44).