A triumphant Walsh at the end of yesterday's play, at Sabina Park. - Junior Dowie
By Charmaine Austin,
Staff Reporter
IN A fitting farewell for world Test wickets record holder Courtney Walsh, West Indies defeated South Africa by 130 runs to win the fifth and final Cable & Wireless Test at Sabina Park yesterday.
Walsh, in his 132nd, and last, Test appearance, played a big role in the victory, claiming three valuable wickets as the West Indies stormed to victory in mid-afternoon. It was the West Indies' first win in their past 14 Test matches.
Final score: West Indies 225 and 301, South Africa 141 and 255.
There were wild scenes of jubilation on the field and in the stands as Marlon Samuels comfortably took a catch at point to dismiss South Africa's last man, Paul Adams, off the bowling of Mervyn Dillon.
Walsh grabbed a final souvenir, a stump with the name of the sponsors Cable & Wireless inscribed on it. Then, with stump in hand, he saluted the fair-sized crowd. The adoring fans paid their respects by cheering and shouting praise. He acknowledged them as best he could with an occasional nod of his head, but it was evident that the 38-year-old pacer was trying hard to keep his emotions in check.
The South Africans had taken the series 2-1, but the final battle belonged to the West Indies.
Back in the pavilion, downstairs the massive George Headley Stand, Walsh was embraced by his colleagues and South African cricketers, including fast bowler Allan Donald who had earlier become the lanky Jamaican's 519th and final Test wicket.
Tourism and Sport Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, in a rousing speech, congratulated the South Africans and the West Indians alike, but singled out Walsh who she said "contributed a lot to the development of West Indies cricket.
"We are gathered here today to celebrate. The South Africans won the series, the West Indies won this match, but Courtney is the real winner today and we are happy to see him go out with class.
"This son of Jamaica has done a lot for West Indies cricket and we are proud of his accomplishments. He has indeed made Jamaica and the region proud," the Tourism and Sport Minister said.
Cable & Wireless Jamaica Ltd. presented Walsh with a cheque for US$20,000 as their "gift" to him for all the wickets taken during his career.
"I am happy that I ended on a high. I'm very happy about my achievements. What will remain most memorable are the good times I had playing the game and the satisfaction of knowing that I was able to make a positive contribution to the sport I love so much," Walsh said.
West Indies' Ridley Jacobs was named Man of the Match for taking five catches along with his second innings top score of 85.
The two teams will now move on to the seven-match one-day international series starting on Saturday at Sabina Park.
