WEST INDIES v ENGLAND 1953-54

At Port-of-Spain, March 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23. Drawn. From the outset of the tour those who knew the nature of the Trinidad jute-matting pitch, on which no Test had reached a definite finish since it was laid down in 1934, prophesied a certain draw in the Fourth Test and at no time in the match did any other result look possible. From first to last batsmen enjoyed such advantage that in six days 1,528 runs were scored while only 25 wickets fell. The complete subjugation of bowlers took away much competitive interest and the cricket was enjoyed only by those who delight in utter dominance by batsmen.

West Indies, needing to draw to make sure of not losing the rubber, batted until just before lunch on the third day, and in doing so made their highest total in Test cricket. For the second time in their careers Weekes, Worrell and Walcott scored centuries in the same innings. Weekes, the most punishing of the three, and Worrell created a record for any wicket in the England-West Indies series with a stand of 338. England were handicapped when Statham, who had been kept specially for Test matches, pulled a rib muscle on the first morning and could not bowl again on the tour, but on such a true and easy-paced surface even he would have found difficulty in worrying batsmen.

The England innings, which lasted until shortly before the close of the fifth day, was notable for May and Compton hitting their first Test centuries since 1951. Both played a comparatively restrained game which the position thoroughly justified. Graveney narrowly missed being the sixth batsman in the match to reach 100. In an effort to force batsmen into mistakes King bowled a number of bumpers. One struck Watson on the elbow and restricted his movement. In trying to hook another Laker was hit above the left eye and had to go to hospital for the wound to be stitched. England saved any possibility of a follow-on with the last pair together, so that the sixth day's play was of exhibition character.

Play began three-quarters of an hour late on the fourth morning because of a wet patch where the ground staff, who watered and rolled the mixture of clay and sand under the matting first thing every day, had repaired a spot worn by King in bowling the previous day.

Injuries kept out Valentine and Gomez of the West Indies and Evans, the England wicket-keeper.