Heroic Effort, Bitter Loss
In the second Test at Perth, in 1988. Merv Hughes had played the individual match of his life, but the visitors had come out clearly with a commanding margin of 169 runs.
This was one of his most excellent bowling spells, taking 13 wickets for 217 runs.
Hat-trick Glory, Richards’ Masterclass
The match will always be remembered for Hughes’ very special hat-trick.
It was the most demanding achieved in Test cricket, over two innings and three overs.
He got Curtly Ambrose off the last ball of his 36th over and Patrick Patterson off the first ball of his 37th to end the West Indies first innings.
He got rid of Gordon Greenidge on the first ball in the second innings.
Hughes’s extraordinary effort possessed the intent and skill to bat through the excellent batting lineup.
But the win by the Caribbean side was overshadowed by the heroics of their legendary captain, Viv Richards.
It was a scorching display of batting by Richards as he batted his way to 146 off just 150 deliveries.
The West Indies took command of the game once they were ahead and rode on their strength in batting and brilliant bowling to keep the upper hand through the game.
Hughes Shines, Windies Prevail
Though Hughes was very gallant, Australia could not hold their nerve.
The West Indies continued to pour on the pressure, and they wrapped up the game on the last day with a conclusive 169-run win.
Merv Hughes’s display remains an exhibition of brilliance as a person, even after the loss. His hat-trick and match figures, which one will remember for all his life, are magnificent exhibitions against one of the biggest powerhouses of the times.
Reference Link: ESPNcricinfo
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