India’s glorious summer in Australia reminiscent of the West Indies in 1960-61 — they deserve the same fanfare

In the history of cricket in Australia, the 1960–61 tour by the West Indies stands out like a beacon.

Australia won that five-match series 60 years ago 2-1, but the West Indies captured the hearts and minds of the country.

The tour was unique in so many ways, not least that it was the first West Indian team to be captained by a black man, Frank Worrell, but also for the enormous goodwill that emerged between the two sides.

At least 90,000 spectators turned up for the first day of the fifth Test.

After Australia won it by two wickets, Worrell presented Australian captain Richie Benaud with his cap, tie and blazer, along with the comments “I give Richie my scalp, my neck and my body”.

Thousands of spectators below the balcony of the MCG…