Flashback: Viv Richards slams first Test 200 by a West Indian in Australia

The game of cricket has witnessed several prolific run-scorers in its history, but none of them possessed the arrogance and swagger of Viv Richards. The generational cricketer has several accolades to his name, including being the first Windies cricketer to register a double ton in Tests in Australia.

The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground hosted the fourth match of the series between Australia and the West Indies with the visitors already 3-0 up in the five-match series. The hosts won the toss and elected to bowl. The Windies lost both their openers Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes in quick succession.

However, Richie Richardson and Larry Gomes consolidated their half-centuries in a solid stand for the third wicket before the Aussies struck twice to dismiss both the set batters. The visitors were in a precarious position and that is when the mercurial Richards took centre stage.

The batting phenomena marmalized the Australian bowlers on his way to a record-setting double century down under, a feat no other Windies batter had achieved before him. His 208 from just 245 deliveries helped them to a daunting score of 479 runs in their first innings. Unfortunately, he could not add to his run tally in the second innings as he was sent packing for a two-ball duck.

Australia, in their reply, were bundled out for 296 runs after Malcolm Marshall’s thunderous five-wicket haul. Australia were set a challenging target of 370, and their hopes of winning were dashed after a dismal outing by their top order. However, Andrew Hilditch’s defiant century, coupled with dogged resistance along with skipper Allan Border, helped save the blushes as Australia escaped with a draw, avoiding a fourth consecutive loss on the trot.