There was much anticipation leading into the Centurion Test between South African cricketers from the 1960s and a West Indies team from the 1980s.
Both sides boasted formidable fast bowlers and it was expected they would determine the outcome of the match. However, this game will be memorable more for splendid batting.
When West Indies were struggling at 153-4 having been put in to bat, Richie Richardson hit a belligerent 163 (220 balls, 18x4, 4x6) which lifted his team to 389 all out. For good measure, the Antiguan made 83 off 100 balls 2nd time round.
But these stellar efforts were overshadowed by South African opener Barry Richards, who hit twin hundreds and enabled his team to win at a canter. The Test match arguably took a decisive turning point on the 4th evening when 4 West Indies wickets fell for 32.
South Africa bowled and fielded well as a unit, while Marshall and Walsh offered some periods of control. But on this lovely Centurion pitch it was the bat which dominated and South Africa served notice through man of the match Richards and the elegance of Graeme Pollock that they will take some beating.
South Africa 1960s: BA Richards; EJ Barlow [c]; RG Pollock; KC Bland; RA McLean; TL Goddard; DT Lindsay [w]; MJ Procter; PM Pollock; NAT Adcock; GB Lawrence
West Indies 1980s: CG Greenidge; DL Haynes; IVA Richards [c]; HA Gomes; RB Richardson; PJL Dujon [w]; RA Harper; MD Marshall; J Garner; CEL Ambrose; CA Walsh
West Indies 1980s 1st Innings 389-10 (110.5 Ov)
RB Richardson 163, CG Greenidge 66, IVA Richards 52, NAT Adcock 3-68, TL Goddard 3-78, PM Pollock 2-55
South Africa 1960s 1st Innings 415-10 (126.1 Ov)
BA Richards 156, EJ Barlow 88, RA McLean 67, MD Marshall 4-77, J Garner 2-89
West Indies 1980s 2nd Innings 277-10 (82.4 Ov)
RB Richardson 83, PJL Dujon 77, CEL Ambrose 32, TL Goddard 3-47, MJ Procter 2-45
South Africa 1960s 2nd Innings 252-2 (58 Ov)
BA Richards 100, RG Pollock 83*, EJ Barlow 33, J Garner 2-72
South Africa 1960s won by 8 wicktes
Man of the Match: BA Richards
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