From the moment Brian Lara agreed to take back the reins of leadership, he noted that the West Indies was coming up against the best team in the world and it was tough to expect victory. Lara saw his role as facilitator in harnessing the abundant West Indies talent and grooming it for the future.

It took the fourth Test for Lara’s lads to realise their true potential and also demonstrated the tremendous strides the West Indies has made over the last four matches under his captaincy.

Australia’s quest for an unprecedented clean sweep in the Caribbean came unstuck in the most thrilling fashion.

Banks, who finished unbeaten on 47 in only his second Test, showed maturity beyond his age as he and Vasbert Drakes overcame the early loss of Shivnarine Chanderpaul to knock off the 46 runs that remained of the required 418 – the highest fourth-innings chase in Test history.

All of the Caribbean feared the worst when Chanderpaul, whose stunning strokeplay had put the Aussies to flight one day earlier, lasted just one Brett Lee delivery yesterday.

But Drakes and Banks weathered the Australian assault with a calmness that was in stark contrast to the chewed fingernails in the stands, dressing rooms and in homes and offices across the Caribbean.

Indeed, as they did for most of the series, the Australians seemed to be unstoppable when they reached an impressive 417 in their second innings after the scores were tied on 240 on first innings.

It appeared they would become the first team to sweep the West Indies at home. It was history in the making, as far as Australia was concerned.

But that is not how it turned out. Instead, it was the home team which performed the heroics, doing what no other team in the 125 years of Test cricket had done.

Yet there were early indications this West Indies team should not be taken lightly.

The batting, for example, showed great potential. Apart from Lara who led from the front with 533 runs, Ganga and Chanderpaul scored two centuries each, Sarwan had one while Gayle and Smith passed 50 on two occasions and the general, Ridley Jacobs, proved his worth.

In Jermaine Lawson, the Caribbean now has a genuine fast bowler while Dillon’s omission in the third Test must have sent a message to him that he has to perform to maintain his place.

No praise can be too much for Drakes’ professionalism while the promise of Banks, Carlton Baugh and Marlon Samuels augers well for the future.

Lara’s captaincy too was much more mature. He was always involved in the game, talking with his young bowlers, encouraging them and giving the batsmen the benefit of his vast experience.

It was a tough series. But the West Indies proved to be competitive despite losing 3-1. The renewed commitment was obvious and the players showed they are not prepared to be steamrolled.