5 most iconic Test matches between Australia and West Indies

4. Fourth Test, 1995

Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica

The infamous incident involving Ambrose and Steve Waugh

May 3, 1995 was the day West Indies’ 15 years of dominance in World cricket unofficially came to an end. A 231- run stand between the Waugh twins was the backbone of a dominant win. The victory saw Australia lift the Frank Worrell trophy for the first time since 1977-78.

In a series which featured only one other hundred other than Steve’s double-hundred and Mark’s 126, the Kingston crowd were silenced on day two and three and left West Indian quick, Winston Benjamin teary eyed. The Aussies took seven wickets on the last day to claim the unofficial mantle of the best team in the World.

West Indies 265 (Richardson 100, Reiffel 48-3) & 213 (Reiffel 47-4, Warne 70-4) lost to Australia 531 (S Waugh 200, M Waugh 126) by an innings and 53 runs.

5. First Test, 1960-61

Gabba, Brisbane

The run-out which ensured the match ended in a tie

Considered the greatest Test match ever played by Wisden Cricket, the first Test of the 1960-61 series laid the foundation to wake Test cricket from the slumber of low scoring rates in the 1950’s. Australia had a slight advantage at the end of day three with equally brilliant hundreds from Windies all-rounder Garry Sobers and Australian no. 4 Norm O’Neill.

Set 233 for victory, the Aussies were in deep trouble after they were reduced to 92 for 6, before a 134 run partnership between Richie Benaud and Alan Davidson brought them within seven runs of victory. Davidson was run out before taking Australia past the finish line, Benaud caught behind attempting a hook and Wally Grout run out while going for the third and the winning run meant the scores were level with just one wicket remaining and two balls to go.

Ian Meckiff was caught short of his ground to complete the third wicket in a chaotic final over that lasted nine minutes. The West Indies team celebrated wildly in belief that they had won the match. Only later did the players from both sides realize that they had played a role in the first tied match in Tests which was a special moment in the history of cricket.

West Indies 453 (Sobers 132, Davidson 135-5) & 284 (Davidson 87-6) tied with Australia 505 (O’Neill 181, Simpson 92, Hall 140-4) & 232 (Davidson 80, Benaud 52, Hall 63-5)

In the words of Ian Woodward, The contest between these two nations have been nail- bitingly tense, sublimely thrilling and gloriously entertaining and it has been scary and downright bloody dangerous. In fact the only thing that cricket between the Aussies and the West Indies has never been.. is dull!!