1979 ICC world cup history

Australia shed much of their strength in the 1979 World Cup after Australia TV tycoon Kerry Packer rocked the establishment by luring top players World Series Cricket in 1977. The 1975 runners-up looked a pale shadow of their former selves as their former selves as their Packers were not considered for the tournament. An under-strength side, led by Kim Hughes, failed to

make it to the semi-finals.

The West Indies not only included their Packers but also reinstated Clive Lloyd as captain. In the cvent, the nucleus of the side remaind unchanged as many players who figured in the 1975 Cup triumph were retained. The fearsome pace attack, comprising Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, joel Garner and Colin Croft, and exciting stroke-makers in Viv Richards, Lloyd, Collis King and Gordon Greenidge helped the West Indies retain the Cup.

England replaced Australia as serious challengers to the West Indies and the ICC hosted a tournament for the first time for associate members to pick two qualifiers-Sri Lanka and Canada.

The West Indies, England, Pakistan and New Zealand qualified for the semi-finals. The only surprise was Sri Landa's victory over India in a group match which was to help them gain Test status in early 1980s.

The semi-finals were evenly contested, with England beating New Zealand by nine runs at Old Trafford and the West Indies prevailing over Pakistan by 43 runs at the Oval.

The West Indies West Indies were in trouble at 99-4 in the final after being put in to bat by England skipper Mike Brearey, but found saviours in Richards and King who put on 139 for the fifth wicket.

England's tactics left a lot to be desired, batting as if they were playing in a Test match. Openers Geoff Byctt and Brearley put on 129, but consumed more than half of stipulated overs. The remaining batsmen found it difficult to keep pace with the required run-rate and England lost by 92 runs.