The Tied Test of 1960: Cricket's First Completed Tie and Greatest Finish
The 1960 Brisbane Test between Australia and West Indies ended in a tie — the only truly tied Test in cricket history until South Africa and Australia tied in 2012 — producing one of the most dramatic final overs in the game's history.
In six decades of Test cricket before 1960, no match had ended in a genuine tie — not because ties were impossible but because the circumstances required to produce one are extraordinarily rare. The 1960 Brisbane Test between Australia and West Indies required a perfect storm of batting collapses, extraordinary bowling, and a final over of the utmost drama to produce cricket's first and most famous tie.
The Build-Up
The match had followed an unusual path. West Indies set Australia 233 to win. Australia reached 232 with 2 wickets remaining and 3 balls of the final over left. Then, in extraordinary rapid sequence: Wally Grout run out attempting a single; then Lindsay Kline on strike, last pair at the crease, 6 still needed from 2 balls. Kline hit a single. Then the final ball — Joe Solomon ran out Ian Meckiff attempting a second run. The scores were level. The match tied.
The Final Over
Wes Hall bowled the final over, which lasted 8 balls (the era used 8-ball overs). It contained the following dramatic sequence: Australia needing 6 off the last over, a six hit taking them to within 1, then three wickets in four balls, the final ball producing the run-out. The crowd at the Gabba went silent in collective incomprehension before the news spread that the scores were level.
Why It Matters
The Tied Test holds a special place in cricket history for reasons beyond the scoreboard. It inspired the 1960-61 Frank Worrell Trophy — the series was named in honour of the West Indies captain who had led such an entertaining team. It demonstrated that cricket could produce sporting drama comparable to any other sport. And it created a standard of thrilling cricket that the game has been trying to replicate ever since.
Frequently asked questions
How many tied Tests have there been in cricket history?
Two — the 1960 Brisbane Test between Australia and West Indies, and a 2012 Test in Cape Town between South Africa and Australia. Both are among cricket's most dramatic matches.
Who ran out the final batsman in the 1960 Tied Test?
Joe Solomon threw down the stumps to run out Ian Meckiff attempting a second run off the final ball — producing the tie.
Who were the captains of the 1960 Tied Test?
Richie Benaud captained Australia and Frank Worrell captained West Indies. The Frank Worrell Trophy between the two countries is named after the West Indies captain from this series.