With the 2023 Cricket World Cup less than two months away, we decided to look back on some of the greatest games in the history of the tournament. What better place to start than on June 21, 1975, when the first final in Cricket World History took place? Just a couple of years short of a century since the first cricket match, an event of immense significance was about to unfold.
The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground would bear witness as Clive Lloyd’s mighty West Indies faced off against Ian Chappell’s valiant Australian. This historic encounter wasn’t just any contest; it was the first final of the biggest event of the sport to date ….It, was a spectacle destined to reverberate through time.
West Indies Tested By Australia’s Early Attack
After suffering their sole defeat against the unbeaten West Indies, Ian Chappel who won this coin toss decided to field first. A decision that Chappel made looking for early inroads will be subject to debate not only this particular time but even when another captain would do the same 28 years after the first final.
The first dismissal was rather anti-climatic as Roy Fredericks, after being reduced to 1 off 12 balls, broke the shackles with a six of Dennis Lilee only to dislodge his stumps resulting in a hit wicket dismissal. Australia would soon make two more strikes leaving West Indies at 50-3.
A Century Etched Forever in Cricket’s History Pages
West Indies needed a revival after Australia’s early onslaught. And revival was exactly what they got as Captain Clive Lloyd and veteran batsman Rohan Kanhai put on 149 runs for the fourth wicket, propelling the Carribean side to a comfortable position. The highlight however was the magnificent century scored by the skipper, Clive Lloyd who stepped up, in the first final of cricket’s crowning moment, and scored a masterful 102 off 85 deliveries
A Prodigy’s Failure and A See-Saw Finish
When Lloyd walked off after his historic ton, another prodigy of West Indian Cricket, Vivian Richards walked in. The Carribean fans were anxious to see Vivian Richards do what he is known for, at the biggest possible stage first final. However, their hopes were soon extinguished as Gary Glimour dismantled Richards’ stumps for a mere 5 runs.
What followed was a see-saw finish where some boundaries by the Caribbean side were met with regular wickets from the bowling side. Ultimately, West Indies finished at 291/8 with Gary Glimour finishing with figures 5-48, perhaps overshadowed by Lloyd’s ton.
Australia In Command in Response
Chasing a challenging total of 292 to win the first final of the cricket World Cup, Australia started with a commanding approach, amassing 80 runs in the first 20 overs at the loss of just one wicket. The West Indian side was so varied that the game might slip away and they needed something special and special is what they got.
Three Strikes, Australia Out
Nope, I didn’t get confused between baseball and cricket. The three strikes referred to here are the three famous run-outs, all resulting in direct hits from who else but Vivian Richards. The prodigy who had failed to live up to fan’s expectations with the bat, made sure his presence was felt in the final as he hit the target not once but thrice to send back the likes of Alan Turner and the Chappel brothers putting West Indies closer to the ultimate prize.
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The Winning Moment
The supposed climax of the first final was anti-climatic, to say the least. As Denis Lilee swung one into the air and got caught at the boundary, a jubilant crowd of West Indian supporters stormed into the ground oblivious to the fact that a no-ball had been called.
The Australian batters started attempting to run runs as the West Indies attempted a run out only for the ball to get lost in the chaos. As the crowd went back to their seats, Australia were awarded three runs after long discussions between the umpires and the players
West Indies: Cricket’s First Kings
One can however say, that despite the chaos, only the inevitable was delayed as soon Deryck Murray dislodged the bails to run out Jeff Thompson completing the truimph of West Indies’ crowning as cricket’s first champions. This moment, coincidentally, would be mirrored at the same venue 44 years later as Jos Buttler ran out Martin Guptill to seal the World Cup triumph for England. Some would say that is the most iconic world cup winning moment while others might say that Dhoni’s six into the Wankhede stands cannot be topped.
While debates may persist and opinions vary, one truth remains unwavering -this moment and the final set the stage for the future of this prestigious tournament which is now almost 50 years and 13 editions old. And Clive Lloyd’s West Indies were its first kings. Whenever cricket’s story is told, the iconic image of Clive Lloyd raising the inaugural World Cup Trophy on the esteemed Lord’s balcony will forever serve as a symbol of triumph.
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