Colin Cowdrey
The 1963 Lord’s Test between England and West Indies was one of the most thrilling Test matches of all time. Right until the final over of the game, every possible result was on the cards. That it ended in a draw was almost poetic.
West Indies batting first scored 301 in the first innings with Rohan Kanhai and Joe Solomon scored the fifties, as Fred Trueman took six for 100. In response, Ken Barrington, Ted Dexter, and Fred Titmus took England to without four runs of West Indies’ total as Charlie Griffith ended with a figure of five for 91.
West Indies in the second innings bowled out for 229, with Basil Buther scored an excellent 133 and Truman took another fifer. On day four of the match, England were 31 for three, Wes Hall bowled a typically thunderous delivery that struck Colin Cowdrey on his arm. There was the sound of pain everyone present could hear. Cowdrey’s right arm was broken, and he would be unable to continue.
Barrington and Brian Close then played out of their skins, spring terrific half-centuries to take England nearer and nearer. A late fightback from the West Indies pacers saw England suddenly lose a couple of wickets. England needed eight to win off the final over with two wickets in hand. With six to win three balls, Derek Shackleton was run out. Cowdrey walked in with his arm plastered. With six runs needed from two balls and one wicket in hand, David Allen chose to block as the match ended in a memorable draw.