A Test match is often described as a boring format by many as the match goes on for five days, and that too without the surety of a specific winner. Most people want a game to finish as soon as possible and that is the reason why ODIs and T20Is are loved by all. Wouldn’t it be interesting to see all four innings on a single day of a Test match? This is nearly impossible to happen but here is a rare moment when this incident took place.
In 2000, an intriguing incident took place at Lord’s in the second Test match played between England and West Indies. The second day of the Test match saw a part of all four innings. It was the first time in the history of cricket.
England captain Alec Stewart won the toss and chose to field first. With the help of majestic half-centuries from Sherwin Campbell and Wavell Hinds, West Indies managed to score 267 runs in their first innings. In reply to that, England’s scoreboard counted just 134. Being ahead by 133 runs in the first innings, West Indies were expected to pile on the lead and outplay England, but what happened was no less than tragic for them.
They were bowled out for a mere 54 by the English bowlers. Andy Caddick’s spell of 5/16 was a stand-out performance for the side. In order to win the Test match, England needed to chase down 188 runs to take the lead. They did it with the loss of eight wickets. Courtney Walsh’s fiery spell of 6/74 went in vain.
The first day of the Test match ended with 267/9 on board for West Indies. The first ball of the second day saw West Indies’ final wicket. The Entire England first innings, as well as the second innings of the West Indies, took place on the second day along with seven balls of England’s second innings.
West Indies were in England for a five-match Test series. The hosts won the series 3-1 with one match ending in a draw. Walsh and Darren Gough were adjudged as the Players of the series from West Indies and England respectively. Walsh scalped 34 while Gough dismissed 25 batters.
