MANY people surely won’t remember much about the inaugural cricket World Cup which was played in the English summer of 1975 with eight teams participating.

Staged in glorious weather with none of the modern day gimmicks – such as coloured clothing, fielding restrictions and endless TV replays – existent in those good old days, the final was contested between West Indies and Australia at a full-house Lord’s on June 21.

Ian Chappell, the Australian captain, inserted West Indies into bat after winning the toss. For a while his decision seemed to have paid off as Roy Fredericks trod on his wicket after hooking Dennis Lillee out of the ground.

At 50 for three, the West Indies were struggling. But entered Clive Lloyd to strike a memorable 85-ball 102. The West Indies skipper, who hammered 12 fours and two sixes, completely overshadowed Rohan Kanhai in a partnership of 149 before he was fourth out. Kanhai’s last appearance in international cricket saw him score 55 off 105 balls.

Left-arm swing bowler Gary Gilmour was easily the pick of the Australian bowlers with five for 48 as West Indies eventually rattled up 291 for eight in 60 overs.

Australia committed hara-kiri when it was their turn to bat. Viv Richards outshone every one in the field with direct hits to get rid of Alan Turner and Greg Chappell and collaborated with Lloyd to run out Ian Chappell for 62.

Paceman Keith Boyce chipped in with key wickets to put West Indies on top.

Down and out at 233 for nine, Australia fought back through Jeff Thomson and Lillee before the fifth run-out of the innings eventually ended the match at 8.42pm.

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