Thread by @CricVestigate, Sabina Park 1999, was the scene of one of the greatest comeback [...]

Sabina Park 1999, was the scene of one of the greatest comeback innings ever, 213, by @BrianLara (preceding THAT 153*).

There are inns that retrospectively look insignificant, but at the time caused crucial momentum shifts.

Nightwatchman Pedro Collins’ 10* is 1 such inns.

1/13

WI & captain Lara entered the 2nd Test in total disarray; they had lost 5-0 in SA, Lara had scored 310 runs in 10 inns & disappointed in his showdown with Donald.

The 1st Test in Trinidad had seen WI all out for their (then) lowest Test score (51) in a 312 run loss to Aus.

2/13

S Waugh was in his 1st series as captain & while it was not peak Australia, they were still the best Test side in the world & far ahead of WI.

WI batting was very flimsy; with Hooper & Chanderpaul missing, the top 6 read Campbell, Ragoonath, Roberts, Lara, Joseph & Adams.

3/13

Campbell had missed the SA tour after a poor home series v Eng & hadn’t made it to 30 in his previous 9 Test inns.

Roberts (on debut), Ragoonath & Joseph (2nd Tests) had underwhelming FC records.

Adams was averaging 17.3 across his last 18 inns.

The onus was all on Lara.

4/13

Lara was only assured the captaincy for 2 Tests; lose here & sacking was inevitable.

Aus batted 1st, posting 256, built around S Waugh& #39;s 100 & M Waugh& #39;s 67. Within 11 overs that evening, Mcgrath & Gillespie reduced WI to 34-4, when nightwatchman Pedro Collins joined Lara.

5/13

Collins & Lara saw out the remaining 3-4 overs to close at 37-4 with WI needing a miracle.

The next morning Collins hung around for 40 mins (9 overs) hitting 2 boundaries, before retiring hurt on 10 after being struck in the box by Gillespie. He had more than done his job.

6/13

The 22 run Lara & Collins partnership had taken WI to 56-4, when Adams walked in. While not big, it made the Aus attack appear flatter.

Given that Collins preceded this with scores of 1 & 0, & followed with 0, 0, 0, 0, 4, 0, this was an unusual resistance by his standards.

7/13

Had Collins fallen earlier, it would have exposed Adams to a full spell from the pacers. McGrath had got him 6 times in Tests (& would 6 more times). After Adams, only Jacobs & tail remained. If the Lara-Adams alliance wasn’t WI’s last throw of the dice, it wasn’t far off.

8/13

As it turned out, Adams could start on a placid pitch against a slightly subdued attack that soon turned to spin. With MacGill spinning the ball into him & Warne not at his best in his 3rd Test post shoulder surgery, Collins’ knock had made it easier for Adams to settle in.

9/13

The rest was history; Lara & Adams batted out the entire day to alter the course of the Test. Lara circumspect up to 50, accelerated & totally dominated the bowling, while Adams patiently grafted at the other end. From the despair of 34-4, WI now had a large 1st inns lead.

10/13

Both were out without adding much on the 3rd day & MacGill made short work of the tail (Collins added 3 runs on his return), but WI had a 175 run lead.

Debutant Nehemiah Perry took 5 wickets & @cuddywalsh 3, to bowl Australia out for 177 & WI then completed a 10-wkt win.

11/13

It was a miraculous turnaround; & Lara received plaudits from all corners.

As per ICC player rankings, his inns was huge; pre Test, Lara was ranked 5 and his opposite number was 1. Even though S Waugh hit a ton, Lara leapfrogged him to reach No.1, straight after the Test!

12/13

This Test is rightfully remembered for BC Lara’s genius, with Walsh, Perry & Adams the supporting cast.

The intangible value of Collins’ 10*, as nightwatchman, naturally gets lost in the scorecard, but WI’s comeback from their lowest point began when he walked out to bat.

13/13

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