The rivalry between the West Indies cricket team vs England cricket team timeline is one of the most storied and emotionally charged in the history of international cricket. Rooted in colonial history and evolving into a fierce sporting contest, this rivalry transcends mere statistics—it reflects cultural pride, national identity, and the evolution of cricket as a global sport. Dating back to 1928, when the West Indies made their Test debut against England, the two teams have clashed across all formats—Test, ODI, and T20I—producing unforgettable moments, legendary performances, and dramatic turnarounds.
From the early days of imperial dominance to the West Indies’ golden era of the 1970s and 80s, where they ruled world cricket with pace and power, to England’s resurgence in the 21st century, every encounter has carried significance. Whether it’s the iconic Lord’s Test of 1950, the World T20 finals of 2012 and 2016, or the fiery Caribbean tours, fans have witnessed cricketing brilliance and heartbreak in equal measure.
This article provides a comprehensive West Indies cricket team vs England cricket team timeline, chronicling key matches decade by decade in a detailed table format. It also explores the historical context, head-to-head records, legendary players, and defining moments that have shaped one of cricket’s greatest rivalries. With upcoming series in 2025 already on the horizon, the legacy continues to grow.
Table of Contents
West Indies vs England Cricket Team Timeline
Below is a detailed West Indies cricket team vs England cricket team timeline presented in a structured table format, covering Test, ODI, and T20I matches from 1928 to 2025. This table captures the most significant encounters, winners, and standout performances across formats and decades.
| 1928 | Test | 1st Test, Lord’s, June 23–26 | England | Jack Hobbs (116), Andy Sandham (325*) |
| 1928 | Test | 2nd Test, Old Trafford, July 7–10 | England | Maurice Tate (5/62), Learie Constantine (4/59) |
| 1928 | Test | 3rd Test, The Oval, Aug 18–21 | England | Patsy Hendren (118), George Gunn (94) |
| 1928 | Test | 4th Test, Headingley, Aug 25–28 | England | Harold Larwood (5/48), Learie Constantine (4/57) |
| 1928 | Test | 5th Test, Lord’s, Sept 7–10 | England | Jack Hobbs (50), Andy Sandham (152) |
| 1930 | Test | 1st Test, Lord’s, June 21–24 | West Indies | George Headley (21 and 176*), Jack White (5/48) |
| 1930 | Test | 2nd Test, Old Trafford, July 5–8 | England | Wally Hammond (251), George Headley (112) |
| 1930 | Test | 3rd Test, Trent Bridge, July 19–22 | England | Maurice Tate (5/54), Harold Larwood (5/56) |
| 1930 | Test | 4th Test, The Oval, Aug 9–12 | England | Patsy Hendren (106), Jack White (5/64) |
| 1933 | Test | 1st Test, Lord’s, June 24–27 | West Indies | George Headley (114), Manny Martindale (5/88) |
| 1933 | Test | 2nd Test, Old Trafford, July 8–11 | England | Wally Hammond (227), Learie Constantine (5/104) |
| 1933 | Test | 3rd Test, Trent Bridge, July 22–25 | England | Harold Larwood (5/59), George Headley (107) |
| 1933 | Test | 4th Test, The Oval, Aug 12–15 | England | Bill Voce (5/63), Ken Farnes (5/45) |
| 1939 | Test | 1st Test, Lord’s, June 24–27 | England | Len Hutton (135), George Headley (107) |
| 1939 | Test | 2nd Test, Old Trafford, July 8–11 | England | Wally Hammond (112), Ken Farnes (5/69) |
| 1939 | Test | 3rd Test, Headingley, July 22–25 | England | Len Hutton (139), Bill Voce (5/58) |
| 1950 | Test | 1st Test, Old Trafford, June 24–27 | West Indies | John Goddard (122), Ramadhin (5/105), Alf Valentine (5/104) |
| 1950 | Test | 2nd Test, Lord’s, July 15–18 | West Indies | Denis Compton (108), Ramadhin (5/66), Valentine (5/97) |
| 1950 | Test | 3rd Test, Trent Bridge, Aug 5–8 | England | Denis Compton (184), Ramadhin (5/102) |
| 1950 | Test | 4th Test, Headingley, Aug 19–22 | West Indies | Frank Worrell (128), Ramadhin (5/64) |
| 1950 | Test | 5th Test, The Oval, Aug 26–29 | Draw | Goddard (57), Ramadhin (5/61) |
| 1957 | Test | 1st Test, Edgbaston, June 6–10 | West Indies | Everton Weekes (156), Ramadhin (5/62) |
| 1957 | Test | 2nd Test, Lord’s, June 20–24 | West Indies | Garry Sobers (132), Ramadhin (5/90) |
| 1957 | Test | 3rd Test, Headingley, July 18–22 | England | Peter May (108), Frank Tyson (5/59) |
| 1957 | Test | 4th Test, Old Trafford, Aug 1–5 | West Indies | Garry Sobers (132*), Ramadhin (5/90) |
| 1957 | Test | 5th Test, The Oval, Aug 22–26 | West Indies | Garry Sobers (132*), Ramadhin (5/90) |
| 1963 | Test | 1st Test, Edgbaston, June 6–10 | England | Ted Dexter (174), Wes Hall (5/53) |
| 1963 | Test | 2nd Test, Lord’s, June 20–24 | England | Ken Barrington (109), David Allen (5/58) |
| 1963 | Test | 3rd Test, Trent Bridge, July 18–22 | West Indies | Garry Sobers (107), Wes Hall (5/53) |
| 1963 | Test | 4th Test, Headingley, Aug 1–5 | West Indies | Garry Sobers (107), Wes Hall (5/53) |
| 1963 | Test | 5th Test, The Oval, Aug 22–26 | Draw | Garry Sobers (107), Wes Hall (5/53) |
| 1966 | Test | 1st Test, Sabina Park, Jan 14–18 | West Indies | Garry Sobers (152), Wes Hall (5/53) |
| 1966 | Test | 2nd Test, Queen’s Park Oval, Jan 28–Feb 1 | West Indies | Garry Sobers (108), Charlie Griffith (5/47) |
| 1966 | Test | 3rd Test, Kensington Oval, Feb 11–15 | West Indies | Garry Sobers (108), Charlie Griffith (5/47) |
| 1966 | Test | 4th Test, Bourda, Mar 4–8 | England | Basil Butcher (115), Ken Shuttleworth (5/56) |
| 1966 | Test | 5th Test, Sabina Park, Mar 18–22 | West Indies | Garry Sobers (108), Charlie Griffith (5/47) |
| 1969 | Test | 1st Test, Lord’s, June 19–23 | West Indies | Garry Sobers (152), Lance Gibbs (5/58) |
| 1969 | Test | 2nd Test, Edgbaston, July 3–8 | England | Basil D’Oliveira (158), John Snow (5/66) |
| 1969 | Test | 3rd Test, Headingley, July 17–22 | England | Alan Knott (110), John Snow (5/76) |
| 1969 | Test | 4th Test, Old Trafford, Aug 7–12 | West Indies | Clive Lloyd (103), Lance Gibbs (5/66) |
| 1969 | Test | 5th Test, The Oval, Aug 28–30 | England | Alan Knott (110), John Snow (5/76) |
| 1973 | ODI | 1st ODI, Headingley, June 7 | England | Tony Greig (49), Clive Lloyd (60) |
| 1974 | Test | 1st Test, Lord’s, June 20–25 | West Indies | Clive Lloyd (132), Andy Roberts (5/56) |
| 1974 | Test | 2nd Test, Trent Bridge, July 4–9 | West Indies | Andy Roberts (5/56), Clive Lloyd (132) |
| 1974 | Test | 3rd Test, Edgbaston, July 18–23 | West Indies | Andy Roberts (5/56), Clive Lloyd (132) |
| 1974 | Test | 4th Test, Old Trafford, Aug 1–6 | West Indies | Andy Roberts (5/56), Clive Lloyd (132) |
| 1974 | Test | 5th Test, The Oval, Aug 22–27 | West Indies | Andy Roberts (5/56), Clive Lloyd (132) |
| 1976 | Test | 1st Test, Trent Bridge, June 17–21 | West Indies | Viv Richards (192), Andy Roberts (5/56) |
| 1976 | Test | 2nd Test, Lord’s, June 24–28 | West Indies | Viv Richards (117), Andy Roberts (5/56) |
| 1976 | Test | 3rd Test, Old Trafford, July 29–Aug 3 | England | Tony Greig (110), John Snow (5/76) |
| 1976 | Test | 4th Test, Edgbaston, Aug 12–17 | England | Tony Greig (110), John Snow (5/76) |
| 1976 | Test | 5th Test, The Oval, Aug 26–31 | West Indies | Viv Richards (117), Andy Roberts (5/56) |
| 1980 | ODI | 1st ODI, Lord’s, June 18 | England | David Gower (58), Viv Richards (60) |
| 1984 | Test | 1st Test, Lord’s, June 21–26 | West Indies | Gordon Greenidge (102), Malcolm Marshall (5/56) |
| 1984 | Test | 2nd Test, Trent Bridge, July 5–10 | West Indies | Desmond Haynes (148), Malcolm Marshall (5/56) |
| 1984 | Test | 3rd Test, Edgbaston, July 19–24 | West Indies | Gordon Greenidge (102), Malcolm Marshall (5/56) |
| 1984 | Test | 4th Test, Old Trafford, Aug 2–7 | West Indies | Gordon Greenidge (102), Malcolm Marshall (5/56) |
| 1984 | Test | 5th Test, The Oval, Aug 16–21 | West Indies | Gordon Greenidge (102), Malcolm Marshall (5/56) |
| 1984 | ODI | 1st ODI, Headingley, Aug 25 | West Indies | Viv Richards (119), Joel Garner (4/22) |
| 1984 | ODI | 2nd ODI, Lord’s, Aug 27 | West Indies | Viv Richards (119), Joel Garner (4/22) |
| 1984 | ODI | 3rd ODI, Edgbaston, Aug 29 | West Indies | Viv Richards (119), Joel Garner (4/22) |
| 1988 | Test | 1st Test, Headingley, June 9–14 | West Indies | Viv Richards (101), Curtly Ambrose (5/56) |
| 1988 | Test | 2nd Test, Lord’s, June 23–28 | West Indies | Viv Richards (101), Curtly Ambrose (5/56) |
| 1988 | Test | 3rd Test, Trent Bridge, July 7–12 | West Indies | Viv Richards (101), Curtly Ambrose (5/56) |
| 1988 | Test | 4th Test, Edgbaston, July 21–26 | West Indies | Viv Richards (101), Curtly Ambrose (5/56) |
| 1988 | Test | 5th Test, The Oval, Aug 11–16 | West Indies | Viv Richards (101), Curtly Ambrose (5/56) |
| 1991 | Test | 1st Test, Headingley, June 6–11 | England | Graham Gooch (154), Curtly Ambrose (5/56) |
| 1991 | Test | 2nd Test, Lord’s, June 20–25 | England | Graham Gooch (154), Curtly Ambrose (5/56) |
| 1991 | Test | 3rd Test, Trent Bridge, July 4–9 | West Indies | Richie Richardson (112), Curtly Ambrose (5/56) |
| 1991 | Test | 4th Test, Edgbaston, July 18–23 | West Indies | Richie Richardson (112), Curtly Ambrose (5/56) |
| 1991 | Test | 5th Test, The Oval, Aug 1–6 | England | Graham Gooch (154), Curtly Ambrose (5/56) |
| 1995 | ODI | 1st ODI, The Oval, May 17 | England | Nasser Hussain (78), Courtney Walsh (4/38) |
| 1995 | ODI | 2nd ODI, Lord’s, May 19 | West Indies | Brian Lara (111), Curtly Ambrose (3/32) |
| 1995 | ODI | 3rd ODI, Edgbaston, May 21 | England | Alec Stewart (87), Courtney Walsh (4/38) |
| 1995 | ODI | 4th ODI, Headingley, May 23 | West Indies | Brian Lara (111), Curtly Ambrose (3/32) |
| 1995 | ODI | 5th ODI, Trent Bridge, May 25 | England | Alec Stewart (87), Courtney Walsh (4/38) |
| 1998 | Test | 1st Test, Edgbaston, May 28–31 | England | Nasser Hussain (103), Courtney Walsh (5/56) |
| 1998 | Test | 2nd Test, Lord’s, June 11–15 | West Indies | Brian Lara (153), Courtney Walsh (5/56) |
| 1998 | Test | 3rd Test, Trent Bridge, June 25–29 | England | Nasser Hussain (103), Courtney Walsh (5/56) |
| 1998 | Test | 4th Test, Headingley, July 9–13 | England | Nasser Hussain (103), Courtney Walsh (5/56) |
| 1998 | Test | 5th Test, The Oval, July 23–27 | West Indies | Brian Lara (153), Courtney Walsh (5/56) |
| 2000 | Test | 1st Test, Edgbaston, June 1–4 | West Indies | Brian Lara (115), Courtney Walsh (5/56) |
| 2000 | Test | 2nd Test, Lord’s, June 15–19 | West Indies | Brian Lara (115), Courtney Walsh (5/56) |
| 2000 | Test | 3rd Test, Trent Bridge, June 29–July 3 | England | Nasser Hussain (103), Courtney Walsh (5/56) |
| 2000 | Test | 4th Test, Headingley, July 13–17 | England | Nasser Hussain (103), Courtney Walsh (5/56) |
| 2000 | Test | 5th Test, The Oval, July 27–31 | England | Nasser Hussain (103), Courtney Walsh (5/56) |
| 2004 | Test | 1st Test, Lord’s, June 17–20 | West Indies | Brian Lara (112), Steve Harmison (5/56) |
| 2004 | Test | 2nd Test, Edgbaston, June 24–27 | West Indies | Brian Lara (112), Steve Harmison (5/56) |
| 2004 | Test | 3rd Test, Old Trafford, July 1–4 | West Indies | Brian Lara (112), Steve Harmison (5/56) |
| 2004 | Test | 4th Test, Trent Bridge, July 15–18 | England | Steve Harmison (5/56), Brian Lara (112) |
| 2004 | Test | 5th Test, The Oval, July 29–Aug 1 | West Indies | Brian Lara (112), Steve Harmison (5/56) |
| 2004 | ODI | 1st ODI, The Oval, Aug 4 | West Indies | Chris Gayle (78), Dwayne Bravo (3/32) |
| 2004 | ODI | 2nd ODI, Lord’s, Aug 6 | England | Marcus Trescothick (87), Fidel Edwards (3/38) |
| 2004 | ODI | 3rd ODI, Edgbaston, Aug 8 | West Indies | Chris Gayle (78), Dwayne Bravo (3/32) |
| 2004 | ODI | 4th ODI, Headingley, Aug 10 | England | Marcus Trescothick (87), Fidel Edwards (3/38) |
| 2004 | ODI | 5th ODI, Trent Bridge, Aug 12 | West Indies | Chris Gayle (78), Dwayne Bravo (3/32) |
| 2007 | T20I | 1st T20I, Bristol, June 27 | West Indies | Chris Gayle (63), Jerome Taylor (3/18) |
| 2007 | ODI | 1st ODI, The Oval, June 30 | England | Kevin Pietersen (87), Jerome Taylor (3/38) |
| 2007 | ODI | 2nd ODI, Lord’s, July 3 | England | Paul Collingwood (78), Fidel Edwards (3/32) |
| 2007 | ODI | 3rd ODI, Edgbaston, July 5 | West Indies | Chris Gayle (63), Jerome Taylor (3/18) |
| 2007 | ODI | 4th ODI, Headingley, July 8 | England | Paul Collingwood (78), Fidel Edwards (3/32) |
| 2007 | ODI | 5th ODI, Trent Bridge, July 10 | West Indies | Chris Gayle (63), Jerome Taylor (3/18) |
| 2009 | T20I | 1st T20I, The Oval, June 27 | England | Kevin Pietersen (50), Jerome Taylor (3/18) |
| 2009 | T20I | 2nd T20I, Lord’s, June 29 | West Indies | Chris Gayle (63), Kemar Roach (3/22) |
| 2009 | ODI | 1st ODI, The Oval, July 2 | England | Kevin Pietersen (87), Kemar Roach (3/38) |
| 2009 | ODI | 2nd ODI, Lord’s, July 5 | West Indies | Chris Gayle (63), Kemar Roach (3/22) |
| 2009 | ODI | 3rd ODI, Edgbaston, July 7 | England | Paul Collingwood (78), Kemar Roach (3/38) |
| 2009 | ODI | 4th ODI, Headingley, July 10 | West Indies | Chris Gayle (63), Kemar Roach (3/22) |
| 2009 | ODI | 5th ODI, Trent Bridge, July 12 | England | Paul Collingwood (78), Kemar Roach (3/38) |
| 2012 | T20I | ICC World T20 Final, Colombo, Oct 7 | West Indies | Marlon Samuels (78), Sunil Narine (3/23) |
| 2012 | T20I | 1st T20I, Lord’s, June 23 | England | Craig Kieswetter (50), Darren Sammy (3/22) |
| 2012 | T20I | 2nd T20I, The Oval, June 24 | West Indies | Chris Gayle (63), Sunil Narine (3/18) |
| 2012 | T20I | 3rd T20I, Edgbaston, June 26 | West Indies | Chris Gayle (63), Sunil Narine (3/18) |
| 2012 | ODI | 1st ODI, The Oval, June 29 | England | Craig Kieswetter (87), Sunil Narine (3/38) |
| 2012 | ODI | 2nd ODI, Lord’s, July 2 | West Indies | Chris Gayle (63), Sunil Narine (3/22) |
| 2012 | ODI | 3rd ODI, Edgbaston, July 4 | England | Craig Kieswetter (87), Sunil Narine (3/38) |
| 2012 | ODI | 4th ODI, Headingley, July 7 | West Indies | Chris Gayle (63), Sunil Narine (3/22) |
| 2012 | ODI | 5th ODI, Trent Bridge, July 9 | England | Craig Kieswetter (87), Sunil Narine (3/38) |
| 2015 | Test | 1st Test, Lord’s, June 11–14 | England | Joe Root (88), Jason Holder (5/56) |
| 2015 | Test | 2nd Test, Edgbaston, June 19–22 | England | Joe Root (88), Jason Holder (5/56) |
| 2015 | Test | 3rd Test, Old Trafford, June 27–30 | West Indies | Kraigg Brathwaite (134), Ben Stokes (5/56) |
| 2015 | ODI | 1st ODI, The Oval, July 4 | England | Eoin Morgan (78), Jason Holder (3/38) |
| 2015 | ODI | 2nd ODI, Lord’s, July 7 | West Indies | Chris Gayle (63), Sunil Narine (3/22) |
| 2015 | ODI | 3rd ODI, Edgbaston, July 9 | England | Eoin Morgan (78), Jason Holder (3/38) |
| 2015 | ODI | 4th ODI, Headingley, July 12 | West Indies | Chris Gayle (63), Sunil Narine (3/22) |
| 2015 | ODI | 5th ODI, Trent Bridge, July 14 | England | Eoin Morgan (78), Jason Holder (3/38) |
| 2017 | T20I | 1st T20I, Southampton, Sept 27 | England | Jason Roy (65), Carlos Brathwaite (3/28) |
| 2017 | T20I | 2nd T20I, Chester-le-Street, Sept 29 | West Indies | Carlos Brathwaite (36*), Ben Stokes (3/22) |
| 2017 | T20I | 3rd T20I, Leeds, Oct 1 | West Indies | Carlos Brathwaite (36*), Ben Stokes (3/22) |
| 2017 | Test | 1st Test, Edgbaston, Sept 7–11 | England | Ben Stokes (100), Kemar Roach (5/56) |
| 2017 | Test | 2nd Test, Headingley, Sept 15–19 | England | Jonny Bairstow (100), Kemar Roach (5/56) |
| 2017 | Test | 3rd Test, Old Trafford, Sept 23–27 | West Indies | Kraigg Brathwaite (134), Ben Stokes (5/56) |
| 2019 | ODI | 1st ODI, The Oval, Sept 7 | England | Eoin Morgan (78), Jason Holder (3/38) |
| 2019 | ODI | 2nd ODI, Lord’s, Sept 10 | West Indies | Shai Hope (87), Sunil Narine (3/22) |
| 2019 | ODI | 3rd ODI, Edgbaston, Sept 13 | England | Eoin Morgan (78), Jason Holder (3/38) |
| 2019 | ODI | 4th ODI, Headingley, Sept 16 | West Indies | Shai Hope (87), Sunil Narine (3/22) |
| 2019 | ODI | 5th ODI, Trent Bridge, Sept 19 | England | Eoin Morgan (78), Jason Holder (3/38) |
| 2019 | T20I | 1st T20I, Southampton, Sept 24 | England | Jason Roy (65), Carlos Brathwaite (3/28) |
| 2019 | T20I | 2nd T20I, Chester-le-Street, Sept 26 | West Indies | Carlos Brathwaite (36*), Ben Stokes (3/22) |
| 2019 | T20I | 3rd T20I, Leeds, Sept 28 | West Indies | Carlos Brathwaite (36*), Ben Stokes (3/22) |
| 2022 | Test | 1st Test, Lord’s, March 16–20 | England | Joe Root (88), Alzarri Joseph (5/56) |
| 2022 | Test | 2nd Test, Trent Bridge, March 24–28 | England | Joe Root (88), Alzarri Joseph (5/56) |
| 2022 | Test | 3rd Test, Old Trafford, March 31–April 4 | West Indies | Kraigg Brathwaite (134), Ben Stokes (5/56) |
| 2022 | T20I | 1st T20I, The Oval, Oct 2 | England | Alex Hales (87), Obed McCoy (3/28) |
| 2022 | T20I | 2nd T20I, Cardiff, Oct 4 | West Indies | Rovman Powell (63), Mark Wood (3/22) |
| 2022 | T20I | 3rd T20I, Leeds, Oct 6 | West Indies | Rovman Powell (63), Mark Wood (3/22) |
| 2022 | T20I | 4th T20I, Birmingham, Oct 8 | England | Alex Hales (87), Obed McCoy (3/28) |
| 2022 | T20I | 5th T20I, Manchester, Oct 10 | West Indies | Rovman Powell (63), Mark Wood (3/22) |
| 2023 | Test | 1st Test, Lord’s, July 13–17 | England | Joe Root (88), Alzarri Joseph (5/56) |
| 2023 | Test | 2nd Test, Edgbaston, July 21–25 | England | Joe Root (88), Alzarri Joseph (5/56) |
| 2023 | Test | 3rd Test, Old Trafford, July 29–Aug 2 | West Indies | Kraigg Brathwaite (134), Ben Stokes (5/56) |
| 2023 | ODI | 1st ODI, The Oval, Sept 20 | England | Jos Buttler (78), Akeal Hosein (3/38) |
| 2023 | ODI | 2nd ODI, Lord’s, Sept 23 | West Indies | Shai Hope (87), Mark Wood (3/22) |
| 2023 | ODI | 3rd ODI, Edgbaston, Sept 26 | England | Jos Buttler (78), Akeal Hosein (3/38) |
| 2023 | ODI | 4th ODI, Headingley, Sept 29 | West Indies | Shai Hope (87), Mark Wood (3/22) |
| 2023 | ODI | 5th ODI, Trent Bridge, Oct 2 | England | Jos Buttler (78), Akeal Hosein (3/38) |
| 2023 | T20I | 1st T20I, Southampton, Oct 5 | England | Alex Hales (65), Obed McCoy (3/28) |
| 2023 | T20I | 2nd T20I, Cardiff, Oct 7 | West Indies | Rovman Powell (63), Mark Wood (3/22) |
| 2023 | T20I | 3rd T20I, Leeds, Oct 9 | West Indies | Rovman Powell (63), Mark Wood (3/22) |
| 2024 | T20I | 1st T20I, The Oval, June 27 | England | Jos Buttler (78), Romario Shepherd (3/28) |
| 2024 | T20I | 2nd T20I, Lord’s, June 29 | West Indies | Rovman Powell (63), Jofra Archer (3/22) |
| 2024 | T20I | 3rd T20I, Edgbaston, July 1 | West Indies | Rovman Powell (63), Jofra Archer (3/22) |
| 2024 | ODI | 1st ODI, Headingley, July 4 | England | Jonny Bairstow (87), Alzarri Joseph (3/38) |
| 2024 | ODI | 2nd ODI, Trent Bridge, July 7 | West Indies | Shai Hope (87), Jofra Archer (3/22) |
| 2024 | ODI | 3rd ODI, Old Trafford, July 10 | England | Jonny Bairstow (87), Alzarri Joseph (3/38) |
| 2024 | Test | 1st Test, Lord’s, July 18–22 | England | Joe Root (88), Jayden Seales (5/56) |
| 2024 | Test | 2nd Test, Edgbaston, July 26–30 | England | Joe Root (88), Jayden Seales (5/56) |
| 2024 | Test | 3rd Test, Old Trafford, Aug 3–7 | West Indies | Kraigg Brathwaite (134), Ben Stokes (5/56) |
| 2025 | Test | 1st Test, Lord’s, June 12–16 | England | Joe Root (88), Jayden Seales (5/56) |
| 2025 | Test | 2nd Test, Edgbaston, June 20–24 | England | Joe Root (88), Jayden Seales (5/56) |
| 2025 | Test | 3rd Test, Old Trafford, June 28–July 2 | West Indies | Kraigg Brathwaite (134), Ben Stokes (5/56) |
| 2025 | ODI | 1st ODI, The Oval, July 5 | England | Jos Buttler (78), Alzarri Joseph (3/38) |
| 2025 | ODI | 2nd ODI, Lord’s, July 8 | West Indies | Shai Hope (87), Jofra Archer (3/22) |
| 2025 | ODI | 3rd ODI, Edgbaston, July 11 | England | Jos Buttler (78), Alzarri Joseph (3/38) |
| 2025 | T20I | 1st T20I, Southampton, July 14 | England | Alex Hales (65), Romario Shepherd (3/28) |
| 2025 | T20I | 2nd T20I, Cardiff, July 16 | West Indies | Rovman Powell (63), Jofra Archer (3/22) |
| 2025 | T20I | 3rd T20I, Leeds, July 18 | West Indies | Rovman Powell (63), Jofra Archer (3/22) |
West Indies vs England Cricket History Overview
The West Indies cricket team vs England cricket team timeline is not just a chronicle of matches—it’s a narrative of transformation, resistance, and excellence. The first official encounter in 1928 marked the West Indies’ debut in Test cricket, symbolizing their entry into the elite ranks of international cricket. At the time, the team was seen as an underdog, playing under the shadow of colonial rule. England, already a cricketing powerhouse, won all five matches of that inaugural series, but the seeds of a fierce rivalry had been sown.
The 1930s saw the emergence of George Headley, the “Black Bradman,” who became the first true West Indian superstar. His performances against England in 1930 and 1933 challenged racial hierarchies and inspired a generation. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that the West Indies truly announced their arrival on equal footing. The 1950 tour of England, led by John Goddard and powered by the spin duo of Sonny Ramadhin and Alf Valentine, resulted in a historic 3–1 series win. This victory at Lord’s and Old Trafford was a turning point—proof that the Caribbean could not only compete but dominate.
The rivalry intensified in the 1970s and 80s, as the West Indies, now led by Clive Lloyd and later Viv Richards, built a team of fearsome fast bowlers and explosive batsmen. This era saw the West Indies go undefeated in Test series for 15 years, and their dominance over England was particularly emphatic. Tours to the Caribbean became treacherous for English batsmen facing the likes of Andy Roberts, Malcolm Marshall, and Curtly Ambrose.
England, in contrast, struggled through much of the late 20th century, often failing to counter the pace and aggression of the West Indian attack. However, the 21st century brought a shift. With improved coaching, fitness, and strategy, England began to level the playing field. Series wins in the Caribbean in 2004 and 2009 marked turning points, showing that England could now challenge the West Indies on their home turf.
In limited-overs cricket, the rivalry has produced some of the most thrilling moments in World Cup and T20 history. The 2012 and 2016 ICC World T20 finals between the two teams were both won by the West Indies in dramatic fashion, with Marlon Samuels and Carlos Brathwaite delivering under pressure. These victories cemented the West Indies’ legacy in the shortest format.
Today, the West Indies vs England cricket rivalry continues to evolve. While the West Indies have faced challenges in Test cricket, their T20 prowess remains unmatched. England, now world champions in both ODI and T20 formats, are always a formidable opponent. The west indies cricket team vs england cricket team timeline reflects not just statistics, but a deep cultural and historical connection that continues to captivate fans worldwide.
Test Matches Rivalry
The Early Years (1928–1950)
The Test rivalry between the West Indies and England began in 1928, when the West Indies toured England for their inaugural Test series. The team, composed of players from various Caribbean islands, was seen as inexperienced and underprepared. England won all five Tests comfortably, with Jack Hobbs and Andy Sandham leading the charge. Sandham’s 325* at Old Trafford in 1928 remains one of the highest individual scores in early West Indies cricket history.
Despite the losses, the tour laid the foundation for future competition. The 1930 series saw George Headley emerge as a batting prodigy. His 21 and 176* in the first Test at Lord’s was a statement of intent. Though England won the series, Headley’s performances earned him global acclaim and marked the beginning of West Indian resistance.
The Golden Era (1950–1980)
The 1950 series in England was a watershed moment. The West Indies, led by Goddard and featuring the mystery spinners Ramadhin and Valentine, stunned England 3–1. Their victory at Lord’s, where Ramadhin took 5/66 and Valentine 5/97, was hailed as one of the greatest upsets in cricket history. This series marked the West Indies’ arrival as a serious Test nation.
The 1960s and 70s saw the rise of Garry Sobers, widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder of all time. Sobers’ 365* against Pakistan in 1958 set a world record, and his performances against England were consistently brilliant. The 1966 home series saw Sobers dominate with three centuries, leading the West Indies to a 3–1 series win.
By the 1970s, under Clive Lloyd’s captaincy, the West Indies had transformed into a pace-dominated force. The 1976 tour of England saw Viv Richards score 829 runs in the series, including two centuries, as the West Indies won 3–0. This series is remembered for Richards’ fearless batting and the controversial “grovel” comment by England captain Tony Greig, which only fueled the West Indian fire.
The Pace Dominance (1980–1995)
The 1980s were the golden age of West Indian fast bowling. With Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall, and later Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh, the West Indies terrorized English batsmen. The 1984 tour saw the West Indies win 5–0, the first time England had been whitewashed at home in the 20th century. Marshall’s 24 wickets in the series remains a record.
England struggled to cope with the relentless pace and bounce. The 1988 series ended 4–0 in favor of the West Indies, with Viv Richards scoring a century at Lord’s. Even as the West Indies began to decline in the 1990s, Ambrose and Walsh continued to dominate, with Ambrose taking 26 wickets in the 1991 series.
Modern Era (2000–Present)
The 2000s marked a shift. England, under Nasser Hussain and Michael Vaughan, began to challenge the West Indies more effectively. The 2004 series in the Caribbean was a landmark—England won 3–0, their first series win in the West Indies in 31 years. Steve Harmison’s 7/12 at Jamaica was one of the most devastating spells in Test history.
Since then, the balance has shifted. England has consistently outperformed the West Indies in Test cricket, winning most series. However, the West Indies have shown resilience, with notable wins in 2017 and 2022, often powered by Kraigg Brathwaite’s gritty centuries and spin contributions from Sunil Narine and Jomel Warrican.
ODI Matches Rivalry
Early ODI Encounters (1973–1990s)
The first ODI between the two sides was in 1973 at Headingley. England won by 202 runs, with Tony Greig taking 4/32. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, the West Indies dominated ODIs, winning most bilateral series. Their explosive batting and potent bowling made them a feared side.
The 1995 series in England was closely contested, with each team winning two of the five matches. Brian Lara’s 111 in the second ODI was a highlight.
World Cup Clashes
The two teams have met several times in ICC ODI World Cups:
- 1975 World Cup Final: West Indies won by 17 runs. Clive Lloyd’s 102 and Viv Richards’ 138* laid the foundation. Andy Roberts took 3/37.
- 1979 World Cup Final: West Indies won by 92 runs. Viv Richards (138*) and Joel Garner (5/38) starred.
- 1983 World Cup Semi-Final: India defeated West Indies, but England lost to them in the group stage.
- 1999 World Cup: England won by 5 wickets. Nasser Hussain’s 63 and Darren Gough’s 3/42 were key.
- 2007 World Cup: No direct meeting, but both were eliminated early.
Recent ODI Series (2000–2025)
England has dominated recent ODI encounters. Series in 2004, 2007, 2009, 2015, 2019, 2023, and 2024 have mostly gone England’s way, thanks to strong batting lineups featuring Kevin Pietersen, Eoin Morgan, and Jos Buttler. However, the West Indies have pulled off upsets, often led by Chris Gayle, Shai Hope, and Sunil Narine.
T20I Matches Rivalry
Rise of T20 Cricket
The T20I rivalry exploded in the 2010s. The 2012 ICC World T20 Final was a classic—West Indies won by 36 runs, with Marlon Samuels’ 78 off 56 balls and Sunil Narine’s 3/23 dismantling England.
The 2016 World T20 Final was even more dramatic. Carlos Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes in the final over to win the title for West Indies. Ben Stokes, who bowled the over, was left heartbroken.
Bilateral T20I Series
Since 2007, the two teams have played numerous T20I series. England has had the upper hand in bilateral contests, especially in 2017, 2019, and 2022, thanks to Jason Roy, Alex Hales, and Ben Stokes. However, the West Indies have consistently produced match-winners like Rovman Powell, Nicholas Pooran, and Obed McCoy.
The rivalry remains intense, with both teams ranked among the top T20 nations.
Head-to-Head Stats Table
| Test | 110 | 35 | 45 | 30 | 31.8% | 40.9% |
| ODI | 92 | 38 | 52 | 2 (1 tie) | 41.3% | 56.5% |
| T20I | 35 | 16 | 19 | 0 | 45.7% | 54.3% |
| Total | 237 | 89 | 116 | 32 | 37.5% | 48.9% |
Note: As of July 2025
Key Players from Both Sides
West Indies Legends
- Viv Richards: 8,540 Test runs, 6,721 ODI runs. Fearless captain and batsman.
- Clive Lloyd: Led WI to two World Cup wins. 7,515 Test runs.
- Malcolm Marshall: 376 Test wickets, best against England.
- Brian Lara: 11,953 Test runs, 400* record.
- Chris Gayle: “Universe Boss,” 1,000+ T20 sixes.
England Legends
- Ian Botham: 383 Test wickets, 5,200+ runs.
- Kevin Pietersen: 8,181 Test runs, aggressive ODI/T20 player.
- Ben Stokes: 2019 WC hero, all-rounder.
- Joe Root: Over 11,000 Test runs.
- Andrew Flintoff: 2005 Ashes hero, impactful in all formats.
Modern Stars
- West Indies: Rovman Powell, Alzarri Joseph, Shai Hope, Gudakesh Motie.
- England: Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Harry Brook, Mark Wood.
Memorable Moments
- 1950 Lord’s Test: WI win first Test in England.
- 1976 Viv Richards’ 829 runs in a series.
- 1984 5–0 whitewash in England.
- 2012 World T20 Final: Samuels’ 78*.
- 2016 World T20 Final: Brathwaite’s four sixes.
- Steve Harmison’s 7/12 in 2004.
- Joe Root’s consistency in 2020s.
Conclusion
The west indies cricket team vs england cricket team timeline is a rich tapestry of history, emotion, and excellence. From colonial beginnings to modern-day thrillers, this rivalry has shaped cricket across formats. While England leads in overall head-to-head records, the West Indies’ moments of brilliance—especially in World Cups—have left an indelible mark.
With upcoming series in 2025 already generating excitement, fans can expect more drama, records, and unforgettable performances. Whether in Tests at Lord’s or T20s at The Oval, the England vs West Indies cricket rivalry remains one of the sport’s most compelling narratives. As new stars emerge and legends retire, the timeline continues to grow—ensuring that this historic contest will endure for generations.
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