A Match of Great Promise Undone by Mismanagement and Weather

Cricket thrives on its ability to deliver unexpected turns, riveting battles, and the triumph of skill over adversity. Yet, for all the brilliance displayed in this Test, its dramatic potential was unceremoniously squandered by poor ground management and the unpredictable forces of nature. What had promised to be an enthralling contest, balanced precariously on a knife's edge, was reduced to an anticlimactic affair as rain on the rest day—compounded by inadequate covering and official incompetence—turned a crucial portion of the pitch into an unplayable mire.

The Jamaica Cricket Association found itself once again at the centre of controversy, facing the ire of the local media and cricketing fraternity alike. This was not an isolated failure but a recurring one, following the abandonment of a day's play in the previous year’s Test against England due to similar deficiencies. Such logistical oversights not only marred the integrity of the match but also cast a shadow over the credibility of the cricket administration in the region.

West Indies’ Grit and Australia’s Counterpunch 

When play ceased on the third afternoon, West Indies had staged three remarkable recoveries to stand 80 runs ahead with eight second-innings wickets in hand. Their resilience had been tested from the outset by the searing pace and unwavering accuracy of Craig McDermott, ably supported by Merv Hughes. Australia’s fast-bowling duo tore through the West Indian top order, reducing them to a precarious 75 for six midway through the first day.

The brutality of the Australian attack was evidenced by the injuries inflicted—Logie suffered a deep cut above his right eye, despite the protective grille on his helmet, after misjudging a McDermott bouncer. Haynes was forced to retire after being struck on the toe, while Greenidge required treatment for a blow to the shoulder blade, an injury that later kept him from taking the field. McDermott, relishing his dominance, baited Richards into an ill-fated hook to long leg before returning after lunch to dismantle Greenidge, the returning Haynes, and Marshall in a devastating spell.

Amidst the carnage, a spirited resistance took shape. Dujon and Ambrose provided crucial stability with a partnership of 69, allowing Logie—fresh from receiving seven stitches—to return to the crease. Undeterred by his injury, Logie launched a counterattack of dazzling stroke play, transforming his score from a modest 9 to a commanding 77 off just 110 deliveries, embellished with twelve boundaries. Dujon, exhibiting his characteristic resilience, ground out his highest score in his last 26 Test innings, anchoring West Indies' fightback with remarkable composure.

Australia’s Response and West Indies' Ruthless Counteroffensive 

The pitch was at its most benign on the second day, a fact that Australian batsmen capitalized upon. Marsh and Taylor forged a crucial 139-run stand, consolidating their team’s position. Their dismissals, within 20 runs of each other, momentarily disrupted Australia’s momentum, but Boon’s determined presence ensured stability. While the departures of Border and Jones in successive overs threatened a slide, Boon held firm, first with a 68-run stand alongside Border and then with a century partnership with Waugh.

Yet, just as Australia seemed poised for a formidable lead, Patterson’s incisive accuracy sparked a late-order collapse. The final six wickets tumbled for a mere 42 runs in the space of fifteen overs, as Patterson extracted bounce and movement to break through Australia’s defences. Boon’s stoic vigil lasted over six hours, culminating in a well-deserved century—his tenth in Test cricket. His innings, laced with nine boundaries, was a testament to unyielding concentration, even as wickets crumbled around him. The endurance he displayed was further underscored by a nasty blow to the chin from a Patterson bouncer when he was on 95, a moment that encapsulated both the ferocity of the contest and Boon’s unwavering grit.

The Turning Point: West Indies’ Explosive Second Innings 

Trailing by 107, West Indies had little choice but to seize the momentum with an emphatic response. Greenidge and Haynes, seasoned architects of countless West Indian triumphs, turned to aggression. Their counterattack, led predominantly by Haynes, caught the Australians off guard. Their 15th-century partnership in Test cricket propelled the hosts into the lead, transforming the complexion of the match within a few exhilarating hours. Haynes’ innings of 84, adorned with 14 boundaries, was a masterpiece of controlled aggression.

Yet, as so often in this match, McDermott proved to be the great leveller. Sensing the urgency of the moment, he summoned a spell of outstanding control and hostility, dismissing both openers within the span of 16 runs. Australia convinced they had Richardson caught down the leg side off Waugh late on the third day, were left frustrated as the appeal was turned down—a moment that ultimately lost its significance when the remainder of the match was reduced to a footnote.

Records and What Might Have Been 

Despite the rain-ravaged conclusion, the Test was not without its milestones. Richardson, displaying his customary resilience, went on to register his sixth century against Australia—his 11th overall in Test cricket. Viv Richards, already a legend of the game, surpassed Sir Garfield Sobers’ tally of 8,032 runs to become the highest run-scorer for the West Indies in Test history. On the Australian side, Allan Border eclipsed the 9,000-run mark, further cementing his legacy, while Haynes reached 6,000 runs. McDermott, the most influential bowler of the match, claimed his 100th Test wicket in just his 27th appearance.

A Conclusion Denied 

This match had all the ingredients of a classic—fluctuating fortunes, individual brilliance, and hard-fought battles between bat and ball. Yet, what should have been a gripping finale was instead reduced to a meaningless half-day of play. The disappointment was twofold: for the players, who had invested immense effort into shaping the contest, and for the spectators, who had been deprived of what promised to be a pulsating finish.

Cricket, as a sport, is no stranger to weather disruptions, but the failure to adequately protect the pitch from rain was an unpardonable lapse. For a region with such a storied cricketing tradition, such administrative failings marred an otherwise enthralling spectacle. As the final overs drifted into irrelevance, the West Indies and Australia could only reflect on what might have been—an enthralling battle denied its rightful conclusion by mismanagement and misfortune.

Thank You

Faisal Caeasr

David Boon: The Tasmanian Titan of Grit and Glory

In the annals of cricket, few players embody the spirit of resilience and unyielding determination as profoundly as David Boon. While Ricky Ponting may be Tasmania’s most celebrated cricketing export, Boon remains the island’s favourite son—a man whose legacy is etched not in flamboyance, but in the quiet, unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Stocky, moustachioed, and fiercely competitive, Boon was a cricketer who thrived on toughness, patience, and an insatiable appetite for runs. His career was a testament to the virtues of grit over glamour, and his contributions to Australian cricket during its transitional years were nothing short of monumental.

The Making of a Tasmanian Legend

Born in Launceston to Clarrie and Lesley Boon, David Boon’s early life was steeped in sport. His father, a sports administrator, and his mother, a former Australian hockey player, instilled in him a love for competition. Boon’s cricketing journey began under the tutelage of Jack Simmons, the Lancashire all-rounder who coached at Launceston Church Grammar School. Simmons recognized Boon’s potential early, mentoring him into First-Class cricket at a time when Tasmania was still fighting for recognition in the Sheffield Shield. Boon’s debut at 17 was modest, but his rapid ascent—marked by a maiden century in his third season—signaled the arrival of a batsman built for the long haul.

The Pillar of Australian Cricket

Boon’s Test debut in 1984 against the mighty West Indies was a baptism by fire. Facing the fearsome quartet of Marshall, Holding, Garner, and Roberts, Boon’s gritty 51 in the second innings at The Gabba was a harbinger of his future role in the Australian side. He was not a batsman who would dazzle with strokeplay; instead, he wore down attacks with his unyielding defence and unshakable concentration. His maiden Test hundred against India in 1985—a 255-ball 123—was a masterclass in resilience, setting the tone for a career defined by mental fortitude.

Boon’s partnership with Geoff Marsh at the top of the order became the bedrock of Australia’s batting during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Together, they forged 1,871 runs at an average of 46.77, laying the foundation for Australia’s resurgence. Their camaraderie and shared work ethic epitomized the values of the Australian team during a period when it was rebuilding its identity. As Steve Waugh later reflected, Boon and Marsh were the embodiment of the “typical Aussie bloke”: tough, uncompromising, and fiercely loyal to the team cause.

The World Cup Hero

Boon’s contributions to Australia’s 1987 World Cup triumph were pivotal. In a tournament where Australia were underdogs, Boon emerged as the team’s leading run-scorer, amassing 447 runs at an average of 55.87. His 75 in the final against England at Eden Gardens was the cornerstone of Australia’s total, and his ability to rotate the strike—71% of his runs came in singles—underscored his tactical acumen. Boon’s performances in the tournament were a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion, cementing his place as one of Australia’s most reliable big-game players.

The Ashes Colossus

Boon’s love affair with the Ashes was one of the defining narratives of his career. His record-breaking 52 cans of beer on the flight to England in 1989 has become the stuff of legend, but it was his performances on the field that truly defined that tour. Boon scored 442 runs at 55.25, playing a crucial role in Australia’s 4-0 series victory. His epic 149 at the SCG in 1990—a 425-ball marathon—was a masterclass in endurance and technique, helping Australia secure a rare victory over the West Indies.

The 1993 Ashes series further solidified Boon’s reputation as a man for the big occasion. With three centuries in the series, including a match-defining 164 not out at Lord’s, Boon was instrumental in Australia’s 4-1 triumph. His ability to absorb pressure and deliver when it mattered most was a hallmark of his career, and his performances in England earned him a place among Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year.

The Indian Nemesis

If there was one team that bore the brunt of Boon’s brilliance, it was India. From his patient 122 in the tied Test at Chepauk in 1986 to his dominant performances in the 1991-92 home series, Boon seemed to relish the challenge posed by Indian bowlers. His 556 runs at 79.42 in that series included centuries in three consecutive Tests, a feat that underscored his mastery over spin and pace alike. Venkatapathy Raju’s awestruck observation—“Boon played amazingly; he was cutting from over his head!”—captured the essence of his dominance.

The Twilight and the Legacy

As the 1990s progressed, the demands of the game began to change. The rise of explosive batsmen in ODI cricket and the emergence of younger talents signalled the end of Boon’s international career. His final seasons were marked by sporadic flashes of brilliance, including a valiant 110 in his penultimate Test against Sri Lanka. When he walked off the Adelaide Oval for the last time in 1996, he left behind a legacy that transcended statistics.

Boon’s career numbers—7,422 Test runs at 43.65 and 5,964 ODI runs at 37.04—only tell part of the story. His true impact lay in his ability to inspire his teammates, grind out runs in the toughest conditions, and to embody the spirit of Australian cricket during its most challenging years. He was a cricketer who valued the simple things in life—a cold beer, a blue steak, and the camaraderie of the dressing room. Yet, on the field, he was a warrior, a man who stood tall when the stakes were highest.

The Enduring Icon

David Boon’s legacy is not just one of runs and records; it is a legacy of resilience, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the team. He was a cricketer who thrived in adversity, who relished the battle, and who left an indelible mark on the game. As the years pass, the image of Boon—stocky, moustachioed, and unyielding—remains etched in the hearts of cricket fans, a reminder of a time when grit and determination were the hallmarks of greatness. In the pantheon of Australian cricket, David Boon stands as a Titan, a man who gave his all for the baggy green and who, in doing so, became a legend.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

A Tale of Redemption and Triumph: Allan Border’s Australia in the 1987 Cricket World Cup

It was a journey across continents, a pilgrimage undertaken not for mere sport but for a story that would transcend the boundaries of cricket itself. On that November afternoon in 1987, at the Eden Gardens in Calcutta, Allan Border's Australia crowned themselves world champions, etching a new chapter in cricketing history. The game’s denouement—a tense seven-run victory over England—was more than a contest of bat and ball; it was a symphony of resilience, strategy, and, ultimately, redemption.

The Semifinal Shadows

Just days earlier, cricket fans had witnessed a heartbreak of a different kind. In the semifinal against England, India’s skipper Kapil Dev, the hero of 1983, had fallen to an ill-judged slog sweep. His counterpart, Mike Gatting, dismissed it as a “silly” stroke, the kind that unravels well-laid plans. Yet irony has a sharp sense of humour. In the final, with England cruising at 135 for 2 in pursuit of 254, it was Gatting’s turn to err. His audacious reverse sweep off Border ended in ignominy, a top edge spiralling into the grateful gloves of Greg Dyer. The symmetry was poetic, the consequences catastrophic for England.

The Forgotten Gem

Australia’s 253 seemed precarious at one point, their innings floundering at 188 for 4 after 44 overs. But then came an unsung hero, Mike Veletta, whose unheralded brilliance transformed the game. His ferocious assault on Phil DeFreitas—plundering 45 runs off just 31 deliveries—breathed life into Australia’s total. In an era preceding T20’s audacious finishes, Veletta’s cameo was revolutionary, adding a crucial 65 runs in the last six overs. It was a knock that would fade into the annals of cricket but remained pivotal in that moment.

The Turning Tides

As dusk descended upon Eden Gardens, England, too, felt the creeping shadows of panic. Bill Athey’s run-out, orchestrated by a young Steve Waugh, set the tone. Paul Downton succumbed to a careless stroke, his downfall engineered by the unassuming Allan Border. Emburey, a seasoned campaigner, fell victim to another run-out, the chaos reflecting England’s unravelling mindset.

Border’s leadership was almost mystical in its efficacy. Every move he made seemed divinely inspired. His decision to reintroduce Craig McDermott for a brief two-over spell mid-innings slowed England’s charge, building pressure that would later prove insurmountable. His faith in Waugh, then a 22-year-old yet to blossom into his eventual greatness, was rewarded as the young bowler held his nerve in the death overs with unerring precision.

A Flicker of Hope, Extinguished

Even as England faltered, there was a moment when the scales threatened to tilt. DeFreitas, heralded as the heir to Ian Botham, unleashed a flurry of boundaries against McDermott—4, 6, 4—rekindling faint hopes. But where McDermott faltered, Waugh stood firm. His guile, concealed beneath his innocuous medium pace, outwitted the English lower order. When DeFreitas mistimed his aggression, Bruce Reid’s towering presence in the outfield snuffed out the flicker of rebellion. Waugh’s penultimate over conceded a mere two runs, leaving the impossible task of 17 runs from the final over.

McDermott, redeemed after his earlier punishment, delivered the coup de grâce. Foster and Small were no match for the task at hand. With every ball, the dream crumbled further, and Australia clinched a seven-run victory—an outcome that seemed improbable mere weeks before.

A New Dawn for Australia

Australia’s triumph was not just a victory; it was a statement. Only three years earlier, the team had been in disarray, reeling from the retirements of Greg Chappell, Dennis Lillee, and Rod Marsh. Border had inherited a team in shambles, burdened with the weight of rebuilding. The World Cup victory symbolized the culmination of that arduous journey, a triumph of grit and character over despair.

As Border lifted the trophy, his typically stoic visage softened into a smile—a rare, luminous expression that captured the essence of what his team had achieved. It was not merely the culmination of a tournament but a vindication of a captain’s belief in his team, a redemption arc that echoed far beyond the boundaries of cricket.

In that moment, it was clear: some journeys are worth crossing the world for, not for the destination alone, but for the stories that unfold along the way.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar