NEW DELHI, India, Nov. 29, Reuter: Viv Richards produced one of his characteristically briliant innings when it mattered most, scoring an unbeaten 109 to spur West Indies to a five wicket victory over ‘the first test on Sunday.
The West Indian Captain, who reached three figures in 102 deliveries ‘with 13 fours lifted his team from the uncertainty of 111 for four to success at 276 for five.
‘West Indies, who were 80 for two ‘overnight, triumphed 40 minutes before tea and on the fourth day at the Ferozeshah Kotla ground, the ultimately emphatic win with day to spare in the first of four tests represents ‘heartening success for a team going through a period of transition.
‘The result also underlined how much West Indies still rely on a major contribution from Richards the batsman, The Antiguan had a modest record when West Indies drew their two previous test series in Pakistan and New Zealand, but he made a timely return to his best form in five-day cricket with his 21st test hundred here. After a contest of sharply fluctuating fortunes —25 wickets tumbled on the first two days Richards crucially established his mastery when the Indian attack threatened to swing the match decisively in their favor. Scores: India 75 (P. Pattereson five for 24) and 327 (D. Vengsarkar 102 C Walsh five for 54), West Indies 127 (D, Haynes 45 C. Sharma five for 55) and 80 for two.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 4, 1987
