The Tied Test: Brisbane 1960 and the Most Dramatic Finish in History
The first tied Test match in cricket history — Australia versus West Indies at Brisbane in 1960 — produced a final hour of play that has never been surpassed for drama and tension.
On 14 December 1960, at the Woolloongabba ground in Brisbane, cricket produced its most remarkable finish. The first Test between Australia and West Indies ended in a tie — the first tied Test in cricket's 83-year history at that point. Five wickets fell in the final over, the match produced run-outs, a stumping, brilliant batting from both teams and a final delivery that ended with both sides having scored exactly the same number of runs across four innings. The match has never been forgotten, partly because of its extraordinary finish but also because it symbolised everything that was right about cricket as a sporting contest.
The Match Build-Up
Australia and West Indies were two of cricket's most powerful teams in 1960. Australia had won the previous Ashes and had Richie Benaud as their captain — a brilliant leg-spin bowler and aggressive leader who played attacking cricket. West Indies had Frank Worrell as their first permanent black captain — his appointment was itself a historic moment. Worrell led with intelligence and dignity while his team included Garfield Sobers, one of the greatest cricketers who ever played, along with Rohan Kanhai, Conrad Hunte and the fearsome pace attack of Wes Hall and Chester Watson.
The match produced 1,474 runs across four innings — a high-scoring, attacking Test in which both teams set out to win. West Indies made 453 in the first innings. Australia replied with 505. West Indies made 284 in their second innings, setting Australia 233 to win in approximately 310 minutes. The stage was set for a gripping conclusion.
The Final Over
Australia needed six runs from the final over with three wickets in hand when Wes Hall bowled. Alan Davidson, who had scored 44 in Australia's second innings and already claimed 11 wickets in the match, was on strike. The over produced an extraordinary sequence. Davidson and Benaud took three off the first three balls. Then Benaud, attempting a pull shot, was caught. Lindsay Kline came in needing two from three balls. Kline pushed the ball for a run with Wally Grout running at the other end. Grout was run out. With two wickets down, Ian Meckiff came to the crease with Australia needing one run to win.
Meckiff pushed the ball toward the boundary, setting off for the winning run. The ball was fielded by Joe Solomon who threw at the stumps from side-on. He hit — Meckiff was run out. The last ball was bowled. Australia needed nothing — they had tied. The match had ended in a tie with 233 runs in each second innings total. The entire ground went silent for a moment before the realisation spread. A tied Test. For the first time in 479 Tests played up to that point, the match had ended with both sides on the same score.
Legacy of the Tied Test
The Tied Test launched one of cricket's greatest bilateral series. Australia and West Indies played the full five Tests, with the series drawn 2-1 to Australia. The cricket was so spectacular and played in such excellent spirit that when West Indies departed Brisbane airport at the end of the tour, thousands of Australians lined the roads to farewell them — an extraordinary display of affection for a visiting team. The series is often cited as the high point of Test cricket as entertainment, a perfect combination of skill, competitiveness and sportsmanship. Joe Solomon's throw remains one of the most discussed moments in cricket's long history — a near-impossible direct-hit run-out that produced the sport's rarest result.
Frequently asked questions
How is a tied Test different from a drawn Test?
A draw occurs when the match ends with the fourth innings not completed — one side has not been bowled out and the match runs out of time. A tie occurs when both teams have been dismissed in all four innings and have scored exactly the same total runs.
Who won the 1960-61 Australia vs West Indies series?
Australia won the series 2-1, with two Tests drawn. Despite the result, the series is remembered as one of cricket's finest for the quality of play and the spirit in which it was contested.
Is Frank Worrell considered a great captain?
Absolutely. Worrell is remembered as one of cricket's finest captains, transforming West Indies from a collection of brilliant individuals into a coherent team unit. He died in 1967 at the age of 42 and the Frank Worrell Trophy, contested between Australia and West Indies, honours his memory.