CWI, CA mark 60th anniversary of tied Test

over 3 years in TT News day

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) and Cricket Australia (CA) marked the 60th anniversary of the tied Test at Brisbane with an international video conference featuring Alan Davidson, Neil Harvey, Lance Gibbs and Peter Lashley, all of whom played a role in one of the most celebrated matches in history.
Gibbs and Lashley represented West Indies on that memorable occasion, while Davidson and Harvey lined up for the Aussies. The famous match was played from December 9 to 14, 1960.
Earl Eddings, Chair of CA, paid tribute to all those who took part in the famous Brisbane Test of 1960-61 and the enduring bond between the two cricketing sides, according to a CWI media release, on Wednesday.
“The first Tied Test, which began 60 years ago today at the Gabba, will forever be regarded as one of the greatest matches ever played,” Eddings said.
“When Joe Solomon ran out Ian Meckiff for the final wicket, the cricketing world stood captivated and a famous rivalry was born.”
Eddings reflected on the quality on show during the contest. “There were heroes on both sides. For the West Indies, Sir Garfield Sobers hit a sublime first innings century, Sir Frank Worrell struck half-centuries in both innings and Wes Hall claimed nine wickets for the match. For the Australians, Norm O’Neill starred with 181 (in the) first innings and Alan Davidson, in one of the great all-round performances, took 11 wickets for the match and top-scored with 80 in the second innings.”
Other players who featured in the match were Sir Conrad Hunte, Seymour Nurse, Rohan Kanhai and Trinidadian Sonny Ramadhin for West Indies. Richie Benaud, who after retiring became a popular commentator, was Australia’s captain.
Eddings said it will be a moment that will never be forgotten. “It took 83 years for Test cricket to produce its first-ever tie. It will be remembered for eternity.”
Ricky Skerritt, president of CWI, said matches between the two cricket nations have always been keenly contested and the mutual respect and rivalry is alive today in the pursuit for the Sir Frank Worrell Trophy. Skerritt added that the West Indies looked forward to hosting the Aussies in 2021.
“Remembering the first-ever tied Test match from 60 years ago is a celebration of the greatness of Test cricket,” Skerritt said. “It also reminds us that astute leadership, teamwork, and a never-say-die attitude are the same key qualities still required for Test match success today.”

West Indies Squad

Sir Frank Worrell (captain), Sir Conrad Hunte, Cammie Smith, Rohan Kanhai, Sir Garfield Sobers, Joe Solomon, Peter Lashley, Gerry Alexander, Sir Wes Hall, Sonny Ramadhin, Alf Valentine, Lance Gibbs, Chester Watson, Seymour Nurse, Jackie Hendricks, Tom Dewdney

Australia Squad
Richie Benaud (captain), Colin McDonald, Bobby Simpson, Neil Harvey, Norman O’Neill, Les Favell, Ken MacKay, Alan Davidson, Wally Grout, Ian Meckiff, Lindsay Kline.
The post CWI, CA mark 60th anniversary of tied Test appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.

Share it on