Legends recall classic Test

West Indies celebrate as Ian Meckiff is run out

As Australia and West Indies prepare to do battle in Brisbane, BBC Sport Online looks back to the famous tied Test of 1960-61.

It is one of the most memorable images in the history of cricket photography, the final moment of the first-ever tied Test match.

The camera shutter closed at Brisbane in December 1960 as West Indies fielder Joe Solomon's direct hit from square leg shattered the stumps.

It was the third run out in Australia's second innings as they somehow squandered a victory which had seemed to be theirs for the taking.

Spectators were confused. No-one knew quite what had happened until the decision was confirmed.

Sir Garfield Sobers remembers one of cricket's classic matches

Now 40 years on, the 21 survivors of that historic encounter have gathered in Brisbane to celebrate the anniversary and mark the start of the 19th Test series between the two sides.

Only Sir Frank Worrell, West Indies captain in 1960-61, is absent, having died less than seven years later at the age of only 42.

The two sides were packed with star names.

Richie Benaud led an Australian team including the likes of Bobby Simpson, Neil Harvey and Alan Davidson, while West Indies could call on Gary Sobers, Worrell, Wes Hall and Sonny Ramadhin.

Sobers batted superbly to score 132 to lead West Indies to a total of 453, but Norman O'Neill responded with an innings of 181 as the home side achieved a first innings lead of 52 by the end of day three.

All-rounder Alan Davidson took six wickets for match figures of 11 for 222 as the tourists were all out for 284 in their second innings, leaving Australia to score 233 for victory.

Richie Benaud: Brought his side to the brink of victory

The fiery Hall grabbed four wickets to reduce them to 57 for five as West Indies gained the upper hand.

The sixth wicket went down with the score on 92 but a parternship of 134 between Davidson and skipper Benaud revived the home side's hopes.

Benaud was eventually caught behind off Hall for 52 and Davidson was run out for 80 and when Ian Meckiff was beaten by Solomon's throw, Australia had lost their last four wickets for six runs.

"When I walked into the dressing room, Sir Donald Bradman said to me 'That is the greatest thing that's ever happened to the game'.

"I said 'I'll need some convincing on that. We've just thrown away a match'," Benaud remembers.

Joe Solomons (right): His aim was true

Australia had the last laught by winning 2-1, with one game drawn, but it set the tone for a series which has few equals in terms of pure excitement.

Wisden's match report summed it up: "Quite apart from gaining a nice in cricket history as the first Test to end in a tie this match will always be remembered with enthusiasm because of its excellent cricket.

"It was played in a most sporting spirit, with the climax coming in a tremendously exciting finish as three wickets fell in the final over."

Only one Test has been tied since then. Australia were again involved, this time against India in Madras in September 1986.

Given West Indies' current batting fraility, perhaps few would bet on them getting close to Australia this winter.

But has been proven on numerous occasions over the years, cricket is a funny old game.