This day 21 years ago, a feisty hundred from Ramnaresh Sarwan, a classic Shivnarine Chanderpaul ton and a brave 7th wicket partnership from Omari Banks and Vasbert Drakes saw the Windies do the impossible against Australia.
The counter attack was initially started by Brian Lara after loosing openers Chris Gayle and Devon Smith West Indies were reduced for 50 for 2. They lost Darren Ganga when score was 74. Brian Charles Lara started counter attacking Australian bowlers added 91 for 4th wicket with Ramnaresh Sarwan.
Lara was out for 60 of 119 balls with five fours and three sixes. Then started a big partnership between Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul that rewrote history. This innings was also remembered for verbal rows between Glenn McGrath and Ramnaresh Sarwan.
As said after dismissal of Brian Lara it was left to Sarwan and Chanderpaul who came together at 165. Sarwan stroke play and Chanderpaul diligence took score to 237 on a sun baked pitch at St John’s frustration had been creeping in.
Australians knew this was partnership to be broken and were getting tad impatient. Then this happened. Sarwan played ball to square leg took single. When he ran past McGrath he said something which I can’t say here. Sarwan too replied in such a way it infuriated McGrath. Under normal situations McGrath would have ignored it but his wife Jane home sick and all he heard was an insult to him.
Langer later stated he didn’t hear first part of exchange. All he heard was Glenn to ask his wife for something. While both opening batsman were supporting their teammate Waugh sent both of them to their respective positions. Sarwan had no idea of Jane situation
McGrath too realised Sarwan reaction was out of impulse.
Once the test was over both players(Sarwan and McGrath) had long conversation and both apologized to each other. McGrath said “I spoke to Sarwan and he was really good about it. He told me he wasn’t aware Jane was sick and offered apology about it. But I told him it was he who needed to say sorry.”
Sarwan made gorgeous 105 of 139 balls adding 123 with Chanderpaul in 157 balls. Ridley Jacobs fell of first ball but Shiv found an ally in young Omari Banks who made 47 on day 5.
Brett Lee stuck on day 5 morning by dismissing Chanderpaul for 154 ball 104. Omari Banks polished off remaining runs with help of Vasbert Drakes guiding his team to emphatic world record victory.
