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Tied test combatants gather 40 years on

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November 21, 2000 

BRISBANE-- (AP) - Ian Meckiff was late - symbolically late.

On Monday, as one of the key players from cricket's famous tied test in Brisbane, Meckiff was again caught out of his ground. He was one of 20 players, or "living fossils" as West Indies vice-captain of the time Gerry Alexander introduced them, gathered in Brisbane for a special tied test reunion.

The West Indies and Australia scored heavily in the first innings before a dramatic last two days in December 1960. Australia required 233 in the last innings to win but Meckiff was run out needing one run with just two balls remaining.

Meckiff's chair on the stage Monday sat as empty as the crease he was struggling to reach that afternoon at the Gabba when West Indian Joe Solomon threw down his wicket to give cricket its first tied test.

"I apologize for being late," said Meckiff. "But I think the Australian members of the team would have been disappointed if I had turned up on time."

Meckiff's late arrival, like 40 years ago, prompted teammate Alan Davidson to quip "you've got to be able to run to make it."

But Davidson, like so many who reflect on that magical day, has no regrets Meckiff wasn't quite quick enough over the 22 yards.

Even Meckiff, who reminds everyone he is the only player run out twice in the one test, laughs when asked if 40 years on he holds a grudge against Solomon whose deadly throw from square leg got him out.

"I'm very happy he ran me out, otherwise we wouldn't be here," grinned Meckiff.

Many of the players who took part in that tied test in which Australia lost three wickets in the final 12 deliveries, have remained close friends since.

Sir Garfield Sobers, Wes Hall, Lance Gibbs, Solomon and Alexander told of the close camaraderie they shared with Australian players like Davidson, Richie Benaud, Norm O'Neill and Bob Simpson.