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Clive Lloyd’s unbeaten brilliance (Source: @lancscricket/x.com)
Over the years, cricket has transformed in every possible way. From gruelling day-long battles to fast-paced T20 thrillers, the sport has embraced change without losing its soul. Even though the game has been modernised, the thrills and excitement of Test cricket are the same, as the cricket world still enjoys the five days of marathon red-ball action.
The cricket fans of India are enjoying a thrilling Test series between India and the West Indies, and some of the memories of the duel between the two nations are peeking into the mind. Among all, Clive Lloyd's outstanding unbeaten double hundred at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. That unforgettable knock not only earned him a special nickname but also etched his name in cricketing folklore forever.
Lloyd’s 429-minute knock crushes India’s hopes
The game of cricket was born with the Test format, and the ODIs and T20Is are the late additions to the game. Even if the limited-over formats provide more thrills to the fans, the real beauty of cricket lies in the longest format.
Recently, the India-West Indies Test series has captured fans' attention, delivering exceptional red-ball action, with the deep-rooted rivalry adding an extra layer of intensity.
Back in 1975, the India-West Indies Test series became forever iconic as both sides set some of the best examples of their brilliance in red-ball cricket. The entire series turned out to be a thriller, but the drama peaked in the fifth Test in Mumbai.
Batting first in the match, West Indies got a dream start, riding on Roy Fredericks's hundred and Alvin Kallicharran's mighty 98. With the Indian bowlers already struggling to find answers, captain Clive Lloyd stepped onto the crease and turned the pressure up several notches. Commanding the innings with poise and authority, Lloyd's masterful strokeplay deepened India's woes, tightening his team's grip on the match.
Progressing seamlessly from half-centuries to centuries, the Caribbean maestro didn't just stop at milestones; he delivered a masterclass. For two whole days, the Indian bowlers tried to implement thousands of plans to get rid of his ruthless hitting, but nothing worked.
As his catch was dropped when he was on eight, it cost India later. West Indies declared their first innings in 604 runs, and the Caribbean great remained unbeaten, scoring 242 runs with 19 boundaries and four over-boundaries.
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Lloyd and Murray’s 250-run stand turns the match
The West Indies were having a dream outing in the match that truly belonged to Clive Lloyd. While leading the side, he dazzled with a record-breaking knock, but his game-changing 250-run stand with Deryck Murray went unnoticed. After Alvin Kallicharran's dismissal, Vanburn Holder joined Lloyd on the field, aiming for another impactful stand.
Just when it seemed the West Indies were cruising, the Indian bowlers struck back with precision. Ghavri dismissed Holder in just five runs. Another quick dismissal troubled the West Indies as Viv Richards walked away, scoring only one run. But the momentum shifted once again when Murray joined forces with Lloyd.
Swinging the bat on high again, they flipped the script. Just as Murray reached 91, Ghavri struck, breaking the spell and sending him back to the pavilion. The formidable stand came to an end at 250 runs, a partnership that had dominated the game and firmly swung the momentum in the West Indies' favour.
Captain Clive Lloyd’s masterful partnership with Deryck Murray was more than just personal glory; it was a statement of intent. Together, they crafted a marquee stand that not only showcased Lloyd's brilliance but also anchored the team in a commanding way. Depending on his knock, West Indies registered a massive victory, and the series ended in a draw. But the iconic performance earned him the nickname 'Super Cat'.
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