Jacobs Heroic as W.I Scrape Draw

Sat, Nov 8, '03

When the West Indies arrived in Zimbabwe two weeks ago, the spectre of a drawn Test against the ninth-ranked team was furthest from the minds of Brian Lara's men.

How quickly things change. When Zimbabwe declared their second innings at 200 for seven give themselves 83 overs to defend a 373-run target, the visitors were suddenly clinging to hopes of salvaging a draw.

And, it came right down to the wire with the old warrior Ridley Jacobs holding the fort to avoid utter embarrassment. In the end, with 21-year-old Fidel Edwards as his broad-batted partner, Jacobs helped secure the draw with a three-hour unbeaten knock of 60.

Together with Edwards, the last pair survived 11.5 overs with men crouched around the bat. It was a gripping, nail-biting finish to a Test match that saw the visitors sleepwalk for the most part.

Earlier, the West Indies batting collapsed in the face of a professional bowling approach by the Zimbabweans. Wavell Hinds, Chris Gayle, Ronnie Sarwan and Daren Ganga all played loose shots when the situation demanded consolidation.

Brian Lara, with much to atone for, padded up without offering a shot and was unluckily given out lbw.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Jacobs then dug in and produced a 68-run stand in the face of tight spin-bowling. Then Chanderpaul perished for 39, driving a Price delivery to mid-wicket.

Sensing blood, Blignaut was introduced into the attack and produced a fiery burst that included the scalp of Vasbert Drakes, caught at the wicket for four. It was soon 194 for eight with Jerome Taylor edged one to second slip.

With the majority of the Zimbabwe fielders around the bat, Corey Collymore succumbed to the pressure, popping a pad/pad catch to leave the West Indies staring at inevitable defeat at 204 for nine.

With 11.5 overs to go and only Edwards to partner Jacobs, West Indian hearts sank but the drama was only now beginning. In fading light, Zimbabwe captain Streak turned to Price and Gripper with all nine fielders around the bat but Jacobs and Edwards defended like their lives depended on it.