Simpson hits out

Press, 15 March 1978, Page 6

Simpson hits out

NZPA Bridgetown (Barbados) Just for old times sake, Bobby Simpson entertained his friend, Wesley Hall, to a nostalgic century at Kensington Oval yesterday. Wesley, bless his flashing white smile, was delighted. “Man, I remember him so well here last time (1965). There’s not so much difference. “It was nice to see Simmo showing the kids that he can bat. Probably most of them are too young to know what a great player he w’as then.” “Big Wes.” partner-in-fear to Charlie Griffith, bowled to Simpson when the Australian captain —then and now—took 117 runs off that great pace duo against Barbados 13 years ago. That was a warm-up for the second test, when Simpson made 201 of a record 382-run opening partnership with Bill Lawry.

At Kensington Oval, 1978, Simpson made his elegant way to 102, just managing to hold the Australian tail together long enough to reach his sixtieth century in first-class cricket, and his second of the tour.

The tourists reached their highest score so far, 511, including centuries from Simpson and Craig Serjeant, and a healthy looking block at the top of the scoreboard showing halfcenturies or better to each of the first five batsmen.

As Barbados went in at 62 for one, the West Indies selectors announced an unchanged 12 for the second test on Friday.

The team is: Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Vivian Richards, Alvin Kallicharran. Clive Lloyd (captain), Richard Austin, Deryck Murray, Derek Parry, Daniel. Joel Garner, Colin Croft, Andy Roberts.