West Indies Cricket: Greatest Test XI of all time

While Australia may have consistently reigned supreme, there is no doubting that West Indies managed to reach unparalleled heights in the history of Test cricket. From the late 1970s to the early 1990s, no team stood toe to toe with the intimidating Caribbean outfit. Their feats during those days form the cornerstone of their legacy in the game.

Also watch: Watch West Indies legend Sir Viv Richards take on the SK Powerplay Challenge

Admittedly, their standards may have slipped drastically at the turn of the millennium. However, much before the deeds of the greatest team in the sport, West Indies churned out iconic cricketers on a regular basis. Assembling an all-time Test XI from the Caribbean islands is quite a formidable task. Plenty of legendary names have missed the cut. But those who have made the distinguished lineup elevate the side to an unbeatable level.

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#5 Openers

Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes formed an imposing presence at the top of the order

Forming one half of the most prolific opening combination in the long and illustrious history of Test cricket, Gordon Greenidge's belligerent batting set the tone for numerous West Indies victories. His ability to take the attack to even accomplished seamers served him well in a productive career from 1974 to 1991. From 108 matches, he scored 7558 runs at an average of 44.72 with 19 centuries and 34 fifties.

With Greenidge in the playing eleven, there cannot be anyone better than Desmond Haynes to partner him at the top of the order. While the likes of Roy Fredericks and Sir Conrad Hunte also have legitimate claims to enter the lineup, Haynes' steady composure as well as technical mastery helped him lay the foundation for the flamboyant middle-order batsmen. He played 116 Tests and registered 7487 runs at an average of 42.29 with 18 centuries and 39 fifties.

#4 Middle-order

Imagine the prospect of Brian Lara and Viv Richards batting together

In some other teams, the crucial number three spot might be occupied by defensively proficient batsmen. However, the mere sight of Sir Viv Richards walking into the middle at the fall of the first wicket should be enough to leave bowlers quaking in their boots. Capable of tearing apart even world-class bowling attacks, he smashed 8540 runs at an impressive average of 50.23 with 24 centuries and 45 fifties.

Despite having to face plenty of threatening bowlers across the globe, Brian Lara stamped his authority during the 1990s and early 2000s by juxtaposing elegance with aggression. His trademark high back-lift and free-flowing drives converted batting into a breathtaking form of art. From 131 matches, he amassed 11953 runs at a splendid average of 52.88 with 34 centuries and 48 fifties. No batsman from the Caribbean has scored more Test runs than the 'Prince of Trinidad'.

Although the three 'W's as well as the likes of George Headley may possess better batting averages than him, Clive Lloyd makes the playing eleven for his capacity to launch scathing counter-attacks from seemingly hopeless positions. He scored 7515 runs from 110 Tests with 19 centuries and 39 fifties. A brilliant batting average of 46.67 in the toughest era of cricket is a glowing reflection of his ability to lead from the front. In addition to his prowess with the bat, his visionary leadership skills also lift the team's already formidable prowess.

#3 All-rounder & Wicket-keeper

Garry Sobers is the most versatile cricketer in the history of the sport

Interestingly, West Indies have not quite produced as many prolific all-rounders as they would have liked. While the options may be scarce to choose from, the Caribbean region has provided world cricket with arguably the greatest all-rounder of all time. Sir Garry Sobers was truly a once-in-a-lifetime cricketer. Aside from hammering 8032 runs from 93 Tests at a remarkable average of 57.78 with 26 centuries and 30 fifties, he also picked 235 wickets at an average of 34.03 with six five-wicket hauls.

The art of wicket-keeping is one of the most underrated facets in cricket. Even as the lethal fast bowlers may have garnered the limelight during West Indies' golden era, the contributions of Jeffrey Dujon cannot be understated. 267 catches (and five stumpings) from 81 Tests stand as testament to his ability to keep pace with those feared speedsters. As evidenced by a tally of 3322 runs at an average of 31.94 with 5 centuries and 16 fifties, he was a solid batsman lower down the order.

#2 Fast bowlers

Two bowlers from the intimidating pace quartet feature in this playing eleven

Selecting just four specialist bowlers from a glittering and endless array of adroit options becomes a stiff ask. Staying true to the Caribbean's unrivalled legacy of pace bowling, four speedsters join hands to form a frightening unit. Considering that their penchant for generating stifling pace through the air often removed the pitch from the equation, they can wreak havoc on myriad pitches across the globe.

In what remains the greatest bowling attack ever assembled in Test cricket, the 'Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse' left the most resilient of batsmen shuddering in fear. Among those, two speedsters make this playing eleven while another pacer joins the squad.

With his smooth bowling action, Michael Holding evoked irrepressible awe among the connoisseurs. 'The Whispering Death' picked 249 wickets from 60 Tests at an average of 23.68 and strike-rate of 50.9 with 13 five-wicket hauls as well as two ten-wicket match hauls.

Armed with a colossal frame which helped him procure extra bounce from even docile tracks, Joel Garner instilled trepidation in the batsman's mind. He played 58 Tests and obtained 259 scalps at a tremendous average of 20.97 and strike-rate of 50.8 with seven five-wicket hauls.

While taller and quicker bowlers may have emerged after him, none of those have come close to knocking off Malcolm Marshall from the perch of the best bowler in Test history. A measured run-up as well as strong upper-body strength enabled him to move the ball at rapid pace. His profound tactical nous also played its part in helping him pick up 376 wickets at a resplendent average of 20.94 and eye-catching strike-rate of 46.7 with 22 five-wicket hauls and four ten-wicket match hauls.

From 98 Tests, Sir Curtly Ambrose accumulated 405 scalps at an excellent average of 20.99 and strike-rate of 54.5 with 22 five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket match hauls. Devastating on pitches with variable bounce, he delivered numerous memorable triumphs for West Indies by scything through batting lineups with alarming frequency.

#1 12th Man and Full Squad

Lance Gibbs is the greatest spinner to emerge from the Caribbean

Having picked four fast bowlers in the playing eleven, inducting legendary off-spinner Lance Gibbs as the twelfth man becomes essential to provide variety to the bowling attack. In order to offer additional options meeting the requirements of different surfaces, selecting four more players can complete the squad.

Even though he may have predominantly batted at number three in his stellar career, George Headley can also provide a back-up option at the top of the order. Two of the three revered 'W's bolster the batting department. Sir Everton Weekes' incredible consistency makes him an automatic selection in the 16-man squad.

Sir Clyde Walcott can offer cover in the wicket-keeping department as well. Sir Andy Roberts, widely acknowledged as the leader of the intimidating pace quartet, can enter the playing eleven in case of an injury to one of the main fast bowlers.

All-Time West Indies Test XI: Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Sir Viv Richards, Brian Lara, Clive Lloyd (c), Sir Garry Sobers, Jeffrey Dujon (wk), Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, Joel Garner and Sir Curtly Ambrose

Also in the 16-man squad: Lance Gibbs (12th man), George Headley, Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Andy Roberts