Late Sir Colin Cowdrey with wrist injury saved England from defeat

Ranjan Anandappa

Charlie Griffith 5 for 91 in Englands’ first innings total of 297 and 3 for 59 in the England’s second innings total of 228 for 9 wickets at close	The late Sir Colin Cowdrey - Walks in with broken wrist heavily bandaged to join David Allen.

CRICKET: The Lord's cricket, grounds in London is the `Mecca' of cricket and all players consider it a great privilege performing on this hallowed venue.

For the late Sir Colin Cowdrey it would have been a nightmare turned into glee when he saved England from certain defeat in the second Test match against the West Indies in June 1963.

Cowdrey saved the day for England by virtue of just walking in and joining David Allen at the non-striker's end after breaking his wrist off a nasty delivery from Wesley Hall who was rated the fastest bowler in an era where there were no protective gear.

Hall was partnered by Charlie Griffith and the twosome formed the most fearsome fast bowling combinations.

Cowdrey joined David Allen with England on 228 for 9, chasing a victory target of 234, Cowdrey fortunately walked into the non-striker's end with England needing 6 runs to win and the Windies requiring just one wicket off two deliveries. Allen defended the last two balls to end the match in an exciting draw.

Freddie Trueman of England was among the wickets - 6 for 100 in the first innings and 5 for 52 in the second innings.

Brian Close - a defiant 70 in England’s 2nd innings total of 228 for 9 wickets at the close

West Indies, who won the toss and batted first, were restricted to 301 with Fred Trueman capturing 6 for 100. Rohan Kanhai top scored with 73.

England, in their first Innings, were bowled out for 297, just 4 runs short of the Windies total. Skipper Ted Dexter struck an exquisite 70, Ken Barrington a fine 80 and Fred Titmus an unbeaten 52 were among the runs. Charlie Griffith, the controversial fast bowler, took 5 for 91.

Fred Trueman once again produced an excellent spell of bowling in the West Indies second Innings to take 5 for 52 and was ably assisted by Derek Shakelton (4 for 72).

West Indies Innings were anchored by a century (133) by Basil Butcher and Frank Worrell 33. England, in pursuit of victory, were cruising along at 203 for 5, but lost Ken Barrington (60) and Brian Close (70). Moments later Trueman, who had been having amazing bowling figures, bowled Hall and they were soon 219 for 8.

Worrell ran out Shakelton for 0 which left David Allen at the wicket and the injured Cowdrey to come. Cowdrey came down the steps to a tremendous ovation from the crowd to save or even with a chance of winning the match. But he did not have to face a single ball as Allen at the other end fended Hall's last two deliveries.