Brian Lara scored an unbeaten 153 to guide the West Indies to a dramatic one-wicket win over Australia in the third Test at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, yesterday.
The West Indies skipper kept his nerve as the West Indies won one of the closest finishes in Test match history to take a 2-1 lead in the four-test series.
Chasing a target of 308, the West Indies finished on 311 for nine to spark off wild celebrations.
It was only the fourth time that the West Indies had scored more than 300 runs in the fourth innings to win a Test.
Lara, who sealed the win with his 19th four of the innings, lifted the West Indies to their second straight win of the series after they had previously lost six Tests in a row.
He scored 213 as the West Indies won the second Test in Kingston and again proved the difference between two evenly-matched sides.
Lara, who was named Man of the Match, batted for 256 minutes and slammed one six in addition to his 19 boundaries.
The fourth Test begins on Saturday in Antigua.
The Australians appeared certain to win when the West Indies went to tea at 254 for eight, still needing a further 54 runs to win while the Australians needed only two more wickets.
Instead, Lara protected his partner Curtly Ambrose, who finally fell for 12 with just six runs needed.
Courtney Walsh was not out without scoring at the end.
The Australians were left to rue the ineffectiveness of spinners Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill after they had been lifted within sight of a memorable triumph by a superb fiery spell from paceman Glenn McGrath.
McGrath dismissed first Jimmy Adams and then claimed Ridley Jacobs and Nehemiah Perry with successive balls shortly before tea.
The West Indies resumed yesterday at 85 for three, requiring a further 223 runs for victory.
They added 76 runs in the first session for the loss of two wickets and then lost Adams, Jacobs and Perry in the session between lunch and tea as their hopes began to fade.
Lara completed his century in fine style, with a big hit off the bowling of Warne. His ton came from 169 balls and featured 14 fours and one six.
