WEST INDIES v AUSTRALIA 1983-84

Two epic innings by Border stood between Australia and defeat. His undefeated 98 in the first innings lasted 5 hours 49 minutes, his undefeated century in the second another four and threequarter hours. He offered not a single chance although batting, each time, under great pressure.

Border received crucial assistance in Australia's cause from other sources. The weather accounted for the equivalent of almost a full day, and finally the tailenders, Hogg and then Alderman, batted with him for the last 160 minutes to frustrate their opponents. In addition, Garner, West Indies' most penetrative bowler, was off the field for half the last day with stomach cramps.

Richards, leading the team in place of the injured Lloyd (pulled hamstring), sent Australia in on a well-grassed pitch; and by the time rain halted play at lunch on the first day, Garner had taken four wickets and Australia were 55 for four. Garner added a fifth early next day, but Jones, in his first Test, helped Border prevent a complete rout with a century stand. Border was denied his century when he was held scoreless on 98 for twelve deliveries, ten from Garner, while the last two wickets fell.

With the early moisture out of the pitch, West Indies took a sizeable first-innings lead through two partnerships of brilliant strokeplay. Richards and Logie added 100, then Dujon, from 187 balls, scored 130 runs by exquisite batting which featured two 6s (hooks off successive balls from Hogg) and fifteen 4s. Logie, a last-minute replacement for Lloyd, was Dujon's partner while 158 were added, but he fell 3 short of his century after an unsteady period in the 90s.

Richards's declaration left his bowlers just over an hour of the fourth day and all of the fifth to win the match. Australia entered the last day 55 for three and were all but beaten when their eighth wicket fell 55 minutes before tea, still 17 in arrears. By now, however, Garner was off the field, Richards delayed taking the new ball for 10.2 overs, and Border and his last two partners clung on to deny West Indies a victory which had appeared theirs. Hogg stayed for 55 minutes, and Alderman, whose previous highest Test score was 12, had been batting for 95 minutes when Border reached his century by hitting the last ball of the match to the boundary.