The second day of play saw the emergence of the West Indian bowlers, led by Ambrose, who provided the early breakthrough. His four-wicket haul for just 24 runs restricted England’s total to 355, and West Indies seemed poised to take control of the match. However, as had been the case throughout the series, the West Indies’ batting failed to meet the challenge.
England’s bowlers, particularly Angus Fraser, took full
advantage of the situation. Fraser, recently returning from a prolonged injury,
produced his finest bowling performance in an English shirt. His spell of four
wickets for one run in just 17 balls proved to be a turning point. Dismissing
both Richardson and Arthurton with the new ball, Fraser then proceeded to
remove the prized scalp of Brian Lara. His figures of 8 for 75 were not only
the best by an English bowler against the West Indies but also marked the best
performance by an English bowler since Bob Willis’ heroic 8 for 43 against Australia
in 1981.
The West Indian batting order collapsed under Fraser’s
relentless accuracy. Even though Chanderpaul displayed his customary
resilience, batting for five hours in the face of mounting pressure, the West
Indies were still forced to concede a first-innings deficit of 51 runs.
England’s Response: Stewart
and Hick Steady the Ship
When the West Indies were dismissed for 304, England found
themselves in a vulnerable position. The lead was slender, and the loss of both
Atherton and Ramprakash in the second innings threatened to undo all of
England’s hard work. However, Stewart’s continued resilience, coupled with
Graeme Hick’s support, enabled England to steady the ship. The two added a
crucial 92 runs, but the real breakthrough came on the fourth day.
Stewart, who had already scored a century in the first
innings, reached his second century of the match—becoming the first England
player to do so in the West Indies. His second-innings effort was not as fluent
as his first but demonstrated an extraordinary level of application and
determination. Stewart’s partnership with Graham Thorpe, which produced a
record 150 runs for England’s fifth-wicket against the West Indies, was pivotal
in ensuring England had a commanding position.
Thorpe’s 84 off 188 minutes provided the necessary
acceleration, and with England’s total nearing completion, Atherton declared,
setting West Indies an improbable target of 446—40 runs more than the
highest-ever successful chase in Test cricket.
The Final Day: England’s
Clinical Finish
By the close of the fourth day, the West Indies were already
in serious trouble at 47 for 2. Their plight was compounded by the retirement
of captain Richardson, who suffered a hamstring strain. England were on the
brink of victory, but a minor scare came early on the fifth morning when Lara,
who had survived a missed stumping, looked set to mount a challenge. However,
England’s bowlers were relentless.
Fraser, supported by Caddick and Tufnell, maintained
pressure throughout the morning. The key moment came when Lara misjudged a pull
against Caddick and offered a simple catch to Tufnell. From there, the collapse
was swift. Desmond Haynes, suffering from an injured finger, could do little to
stem the tide, and when Walsh was dismissed for three sixes in one over by
Tufnell, the end was near. The final act came when Ambrose, out for a duck,
smashed down his stumps in frustration, an act that cost him a £1,000 fine from
the referee.
Conclusion: A
Landmark Victory
As the final stumps were taken, and the West Indian team
filed off the field in defeat, England’s supporters surged onto the pitch in
jubilation. The historic victory had been achieved, and with it, England had
broken a 59-year-old West Indian stronghold at Bridgetown. What made this
victory even more significant was how England had achieved
it—by dictating terms, not through luck or circumstance, but by sheer skill and
application.
This victory at Bridgetown remains one of the most remarkable Test victories in cricket history. It serves as a testament to the game’s unpredictability and to the ability of one team to rise above expectations, turning the improbable into reality. England’s performance in this match will forever be remembered as a brilliant display of cricketing excellence, perseverance, and strategic brilliance.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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