Bolans (Antigua): For perhaps the only time, Sunil 'Little Master' Gavaskar actually stood taller than Joel 'Big Bird' Garner.

That moment of history came at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Sunday afternoon when Garner, the West Indies' manager, dropped by the commentators' area to say 'hello' to his one-time Somerset flatmate.

Gavaskar had then been standing in an elevated portion of the commentators' room for relaxing between stints.

As for the advantage in height? Around three feet.

"You're looking good, could still pick up the bat and go out," Garner complimented Gavaskar, who has been very particular about fitness.

Gavaskar, 67 to Garner's 63, said: "Wish I was able to... You aren't looking bad either Bird, taking good care of your body."

Garner, who is 6'8" in his socks (to Gavaskar's 5'5"), revealed that he'd lost "40 pounds" by getting off liquor, beer and meat.

And, of course, by "walking" for a length of time and doing so religiously.

"I had a cholesterol problem and my doctor made it clear I had to get off liquor and beer. Also, off meat for a while...

"The doctor added if I didn't follow his advice, medication was unavoidable. Well, I didn't want chemicals in my body...

"Now, I just have red wine and meat occasionally," Garner elaborated, Gavaskar listening somewhat fascinated by his determination.

Gavaskar and Garner promised to have an evening together in Kingston, where the second Test will be played from Saturday.

As Garner was taking leave, Gavaskar told The Telegraph: "I must tell you this... In the '83 World Cup final, Bird bowled a great first over to me... In his next, I managed a leg bye...

"While taking that single, I passed him and whispered 'Bird, allow your flatmate one run off the bat.' But he wouldn't oblige, saying 'What, this is the final, no freebies for you'...

"That's Joel Garner."

Freebies or no freebies, Kapil Dev's India created history at Lord's that day and one of the endearing sights was Gavaskar helping his captain raise the trophy for the fans' benefit.

It was a moment to treasure.

Garner managed to laugh at the one run bit, even though his team in the middle was collapsing, undone by Ravichandran Ashwin, who went on to take the MoM award.

When this Reporter asked Garner if he was still largely vegetarian, he replied: "I was off meat completely for a few months, the time it took me to reduce 40 pounds...

"Nowadays, I have meat, but not often and in moderation. No alcohol and beer, though, only red wine...

"I'm feeling much better, without medication. Now, I've got to reduce a further 10 pounds. That would be just fine...

"Life is about fitness."

Well, when Big Bird looks down at you and talks, you listen.