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C.L. Walcott

168*

C.L. Walcott 168* v EnglandBack to boards

Sir Clyde Walcott’s undefeated 168 was the standout innings in West Indies’ first ever test victory on English soil in the summer of 1950.

After a century from opener Allen Rae helped the West Indies to 326, the inexperienced spin duo of Sonny Ramadhin and Alf Valentine - both of whom had played only two first-class matches before the 1950 tour - took nine of the 10 English wickets to dismiss them for 151.

Determined not to let this position of ascendency slip, Sir Walcott delivered a masterclass of attacking strokeplay, dispatching 24 balls to the boundary as West Indies declared on 425/6.

Set a notional target of 601, England tried valiantly to bat out the final two days. They survived into the 192nd over, but it was Ramadhin and Valentine who had the final say, bowling 72 and 71 overs respectively, and again taking nine wickets between them.

Not only did Sir Walcott produce an innings for the ages, he also kept wicket throughout, spending over 298 overs behind the stumps as West Indies claimed a famous and historic victory.

West Indian delight was further compounded by wins in the third and fourth tests which sealed a remarkable series triumph.