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Hearts could not have beaten faster, fingernails could not have been bitten lower and more prayers could not have been uttered for West Indies cricket than they were yesterday at Kensington Oval.

Still smarting from their recent annihilation in South Africa but buoyed by a win at Sabina Park two weeks ago, the regional side - spurred by thousands of inspirational fans - scraped to a one-wicket win in the third Test against Australia.

Captain Brian Lara's 19th four screamed to the cover boundary at 4:27 p.m. as the West Indies surpassed the victory target of 308 runs and seized a 2-1 lead in the series, leaving one Test to go.

That nostalgic shot triggered scenes of which priceless video footage, photographs and memoirs are made and sparked all-night partying in local nightclubs.

West Indies fans crashed metal barriers that restrained them for four days of the Test to invade the pitch in wild celebration.

Some of them kissed the wicket, rolled on it and, along with supporters of the vanquished Aussies, stood in the southern-end crease from which Lara secured success for personal Kodak moments.

Embraces

There was also the unforgettable image of the Trinidadian hero 153 not out - being swept up in joyous, tear-enducing embraces by team-mates and legions of supporters.

For the hundreds in collar-and-tie, both managers and subordinates, who skipped work to watch the tense, see-saw action, it was worth whatever reprimand they might have faced.