BBC Sportcricket

With the series already lost, England's travelling fans (a year before dubbing themselves "The Barmy Army") must have been fearing another 5-0 "Blackwash" when they arrived in Barbados - where the Windies had not lost since 1936 - for the fourth Test.

But they were treated to a masterclass from Alec Stewart, who lit up the Kensington Oval with a century in each innings - making 118 and 143.

Further heroics came from hard-working seamer Angus Fraser, who took 8-75 in the first innings, while Andy Caddick and spinner Phil Tufnell combined well to fire out the West Indies second time around.

Some pride - at least - was restored as England wrapped up a 208-run win.

Meanwhile, a rookie teenager named Shivnarine Chanderpaul - later to be a thorn in England's side in the 21st century - carefully compiled half-centuries in each of his first four Test appearances.

But the most historic feat of the series was yet to come.