Spanning almost 100 years and featuring over 120 Test matches, England vs West Indies is a cricket fixture that's delivered time after time. From nerve-wracking moments to incredible feats of sporting brilliance, icons like Vivian Richards and Michael Atherton have given us unforgettable memories to relish.
The Caribbean and English batsmen and bowlers have entertained the thousands in attendance who follow island to island. So, which Tests rank in the top ten, and what were the defining events that made them so special? From the West Indies v England 1930 tour to the England v West Indies 2017 Edgbaston series, discover the most exciting England vs West Indies Test matches with expert insight below...
West Indies v England 1930
Starting with England's first-ever West Indies tour in 1929/1930, spectators were treated to a spectacle in the third Test as the West Indies went on to secure victory. Held at Georgetown Cricket Club in Georgetown, Guyana, Clifford Roach became the first West Indian to score a Test match double-century.
Following this heroic achievement, the series ended in a draw. But this game will live long in the memory for the West Indies as the potential catalyst for their success. With Spectate's tailor-made West Indies cricket holidays featuring our incredible State of Play functions, you can catch similar action in the upcoming games while enjoying premium hospitality.
West Indies v England 1973/74
A five-match series from the Port of Spain to Kingston, Bridgetown and Georgetown, the Wisden Trophy 1973/74 ended in another draw after thrilling back-and-forth action. In the third Test, Lawrence Rowe produced a spectacular performance as he reached his first and second hundred for a splendid 302. Previously held by George Headley with 270 not out in 1935, this was the highest innings for West Indies against England and the eleventh triple century in Test cricket history.
Other players to feature were the phenomenal Garry Sobers, Clive Lloyd and Rohan Kanhai for the West Indies. England's stars included Keith Fletcher and Alan Knott whose skill and resurgence earned a draw.
England v West Indies 1976
The England v West Indies 4th Test in 1976 at Headingley was an extraordinary game full of heart and will from both sides - particularly England who made a creditable fight back. However, it wasn't meant to be for Tony Greig and his men as the West Indies set the pattern for the whole game from day one.
Viv Richards, Michael Holding, Roy Fredericks and Co proved too strong for England in the end. The West Indians took control of the Test as they made 437 for nine in front of 18,000 spectators at Leeds, the onslaught including two 6s and fifty-eight 4s. Ultimately, the trophy went to the visitors once again.
England v West Indies 1984
A complete and utter whitewash, the 1984 Test saw the West Indies win 5-0 overall. The convincing display started with a historic win as the West Indian batsmen hit a thumping 606 runs against David Gower and his men. Centuries from Larry Gomes and Viv Richards quickly took the game from England while Gordon Greenidge hit an unbeaten 214 from 242 balls.
From there, the West Indians dominated the cricket field just as they had the previous 13 Test matches. Malcolm Marshall picked up a 7-wicket haul with a broken thumb as he played a pivotal role in the thrashing, seeing the visitors take home the international cricket series title.
West Indies v England 1985/86
Just a mere six months later, the West Indies would complete yet another humiliating 5-0 whitewash. However, this demolition job was on their home soil. Sabina Park played host to the first of the five wins for the West Indies followed by the Queen's Park Oval, Kensington Oval and Antigua Recreation Ground.
Consistent batting from the home side led to 307 runs in the first innings, with Patrick Patterson bowling at an electrifying pace. The West Indies heavyweight took seven for 74 in his first Test and ultimately won man of the match in an impressive display. Overall, this series was another to forget for England as they accepted defeat.
England v West Indies 1988
In the very next Test series, the West Indies went on to beat England 4-0 after a draw in the first match. Captaining the team for the first time, Graham Gooch led England out in the fifth game for what was another disappointing tournament against their formidable foe. The prolific run-scorer could take pride in his own performance, and his team's commitment. But the West Indies stepped it up a gear to win the tie.
The inevitability of their situation was made apparent on the final day at Kennington Oval where the team had to defend a dire 224 lead. Ultimately, a Greenidge-Haynes partnership saw the visitors over the line.
West Indies v England 1990
After six successive Test series without a single win under their belt, England would finally pick up a victory against the West Indies in the opening. The first match wouldn't set the pattern for an overall Test triumph, although the competitiveness of the 1989/1990 set of games was fierce and exhilarating.
Featuring the heroics of Allan Lamb's century, the English batsman would inspire the likes of Alec Stewart, Angus Fraser and Wayne Larkins at Sabina Park. Patrick Patterson and the West Indies regained their stride after an abandoned game at Georgetown, but this marked the end of their reign of terror. England's time would come following a frustrating 90s run.
West Indies v England 1994
Even though the 1991 fixture produced a 2-2 draw between England and the West Indies, the hosts once again reclaimed their crown. However, the once impenetrable fortress of the Kensington Oval came falling down after Alec Stewart came up with two terrific centuries. The Windies faithful fell silent as England fans erupted watching their team win for only a second time in Barbados.
Not only that, but the result was no fluke either. England controlled the game all the way throughout, interrupting any rhythm the West Indies tried to get going. Michael Atherton's 505 runs over the series was impressive and England were able to hold their heads up high.
West Indies v England 1998
In the 1997/98 series, England lost a game they should have won and won a game they should have lost. Such fine margins would separate the two, with the West Indies coming out on top yet again in a tense affair featuring cricketing superstars - Brian Lara, Phil Tufnell and man of the match Angus Fraser.
Queen's Park Oval was itself a fortress, a ground where England hadn't won at in 21 years. Fraser's form carried from the first innings into the second as his bowling made the difference. Following the collapse of the home side twice in the game, history had been made and the travelling side saw glory.
England v West Indies 2017
After years of heartbreak, England have themselves become the dominant team ever since the turn of the millennium. In the England v West Indies 2017 Edgbaston game, Alastair Cook came up with the goods as he hit two incredible centuries for player of the match. The English batsmen and bowlers were simply too good for the West Indians, and Joe Root's men enjoyed a 2-1 victory on home turf.
Edgbaston's 50th Test was unforgettable, providing the fans with stunning moments of sporting magic along the way. So, with our luxury cricket holiday packages now available, join us to see if England can recreate the result of this iconic cricket fixture.
Follow England on their next tour of the West Indies
Across a series of intense, gripping matches, be part of cricket history and witness the spectacle that is England v West Indies. Book now with Spectate for the best seats in the house on this superb cricket tour.
