The moment Matthew Wade collided heavily with Ben Hilfenhaus during Sunday’s fifth one-day international against the West Indies brought back horrible memories for Australian cricket fans.

Wade, sprinting back from his wicketkeeping position, barrelled into Hilfenhaus’ knee as the fast bowler arrived to claim a high catch during the 30-run win over the Windies in St Lucia.

As Wade lay on the ground in agony following the collision there was immediate concern and thoughts went back to Steve Waugh and Jason Gillespie’s sickening collision in Sri Lanka in 1999.

That moment had far worse repercussions with Gillespie sustaining a broken leg while photos of Waugh’s bloodied face and badly broken nose became an enduring memory.

Thankfully for Australia this time the worst injury sustained was Wade being winded.

The wicketkeeper quickly recovered to resume his duties while Hilfenhaus, a former bricklayer, lived up to his hardman reputation by barely flinching.

“I was fielding at cover so I saw it coming a mile off and when he (Wade) stayed down you never want to see that on a cricket field,” captain Shane Watson said of the incident.

“It was a good thing everyone came out okay.”

Perhaps the most surprising outcome apart from the lack of injury was the fact Hilfenhaus successfully held on to the chance despite the collision.

“It was a brilliant catch, probably the best one he’ll ever take in his career, I know that much,” Watson said.

“Hilf, he’ll just get up and keep going, he is made of brick.”