The opening Test of India’s 1953 tour of the West Indies, played from January 21 to 26 at the historic Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, showcased a spirited display of determination from both sides. Led by Vijay Hazare, India entered the contest with quiet confidence, while the West Indies, under John Goddard, relied on their trademark flair and home advantage.
The match unfolded as a measured duel of skill and temperament. The West Indies controlled several sessions with their composed batting, yet India responded with disciplined run-making and committed bowling spells that kept the hosts in check. What emerged was a gripping, evenly contested battle that ultimately ended in a draw, highlighting India’s growing maturity in overseas conditions and setting the tone for a competitive Caribbean series.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | West Indies vs. India – 1st Test |
| Dates | 21–26 January 1953 |
| Venue | Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain |
| Toss | West Indies won the toss and elected to bat |
| Result | Match Drawn |
| Match Format | 5-day Test |
| Umpires | C. S. Richards & J. C. Thomas |
| Significance | Opening Test of India’s 1953 tour of the West Indies |
Team Lineups
| India (Playing XI) | West Indies (Playing XI) |
|---|---|
| Vijay Hazare (c) | John Goddard (c) |
| Pankaj Roy | Jeffrey Stollmeyer |
| Polly Umrigar | Allan Rae |
| Vinoo Mankad | Everton Weekes |
| Dattu Phadkar | Clyde Walcott |
| Ghulam Ahmed | Frank Worrell |
| Gul Mohammad | Gerry Gomez |
| Datta Gaekwad | Alfred Binns (wk) |
| Probir Sen (wk) | Sonny Ramadhin |
| G. S. Ramchand | Alf Valentine |
| Subhash Gupte | Denis Atkinson |
West Indies 1st Innings – 438 all out
The West Indies showcased their trademark flair in the first innings. Everton Weekes (128) was at his dominating best, punishing loose deliveries and driving elegantly through the offside. He received strong support from Clyde Walcott (91) and Frank Worrell (66), helping West Indies build a formidable total.
India’s bowlers worked tirelessly, with Subhash Gupte (4/125) leading the attack through his sharp leg-spin, while Vinoo Mankad (3/118) provided crucial breakthroughs.
| Player | Runs | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|
| Jeffrey Stollmeyer | 39 | c Sen b Phadkar |
| Allan Rae | 28 | b Mankad |
| Everton Weekes | 128 | c Roy b Gupte |
| Clyde Walcott | 91 | c Hazare b Gupte |
| Frank Worrell | 66 | b Mankad |
| John Goddard (c) | 18 | b Gupte |
| Gerry Gomez | 27 | c Gaekwad b Mankad |
| Alfred Binns (wk) | 15 | b Ramchand |
| Sonny Ramadhin | 7 | b Gupte |
| Alf Valentine | 6 | Not out |
| Denis Atkinson | 10 | c Hazare b Phadkar |
| Total | 438 all out |
India 1st Innings – 284 all out
India replied with determination, led by Polly Umrigar (130), who produced one of the finest away hundreds of his career. His composed batting on a challenging surface stood out. Support came from Pankaj Roy (47) and Hazare (32), but regular wickets prevented India from getting close to the West Indies’ total.
The spin duo of Ramadhin (5/66) and Valentine (4/93) caused constant trouble, exploiting the pitch with sharp turns and bounce.
| Player | Runs | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|
| Pankaj Roy | 47 | c Gomez b Ramadhin |
| Vijay Hazare (c) | 32 | c Worrell b Valentine |
| Polly Umrigar | 130 | c Rae b Valentine |
| Gul Mohammad | 11 | b Ramadhin |
| Dattu Phadkar | 18 | c Atkinson b Valentine |
| Vinoo Mankad | 9 | b Ramadhin |
| Datta Gaekwad | 6 | c Rae b Valentine |
| Ghulam Ahmed | 13 | b Ramadhin |
| Probir Sen (wk) | 5 | b Valentine |
| G. S. Ramchand | 7 | b Atkinson |
| Subhash Gupte | 3* | Not out |
| Total | 284 all out |
West Indies 2nd Innings – 217/3 declared
With a healthy 154-run lead, West Indies accelerated in the second innings. Frank Worrell (79) and Stollmeyer (52) batted fluently, while Weekes added another brisk 41.
Captain Goddard declared at 217/3, setting India a massive target of 372 runs with limited time.
Top Performers
- Worrell 79
- Stollmeyer 52
- Weekes 41
India 2nd Innings – 142/6 (Match Drawn)
India showed admirable resolve in the final innings. Facing a tough pitch and world-class spinners, the visitors focused on survival rather than pursuit of the target.
Umrigar (43) and Hazare (30) anchored the innings, while Mankad and Gaekwad held firm toward the end as overs ran out.
The umpires called stumps with India at 142/6, completing a well-earned draw.
Match Drawn
Highlights of the Match
- Polly Umrigar’s superb 130 stood as India’s standout innings in the match.
- The legendary West Indian trio Weekes, Walcott, and Worrell dominated with classic Caribbean flair.
- Subhash Gupte impressed with 4 wickets, troubling even the best batsmen.
- India batted with grit in the final innings to secure a draw.
- This Test marked a competitive start to the 1953 series in the West Indies.