ENG vs WI – Most memorable Test matches
Come July 8 2020, international cricket will make its much-awaited return with the ENG vs WI 3-match Test series. This will be a special series in more ways than one. Not only will this be the first spectator-less tournament but also the first biosecure series between two cricket teams. This is also the first time that teams will be playing as per ICC’s new playing conditions.
The last time West Indies toured England in 2017, they conceded a 2-1 defeat against the hosts. But the following year when the Englishmen came knocking, the Windies exacted their revenge with a 2-1 win in the Test series.
Since 1928, both teams have faced off in over 100 Test match encounters. Over the years, they have been involved in several memorable contests. Let’s take a look at some of them:
The emergence of Dominic Cork: ENG vs WI – Lord’s, 1995
At the time, former England cricketer Ray Illingworth played the dual role of team manager cum selector. In his capacity as the selector, he had the power to select any player in the team after the captain. Illingworth made the most of it, bringing in fast bowler Dominic Cork to replace wicketkeeper Steve Rhodes in the side. The decision raised quite a few eyebrows but by the end of the match, it was considered to be a masterstroke.
Batting first, England put up 283 runs on the board, to which West Indies replied with a total of 324. In the second innings, England went on to score 336, setting the Windies a steep target of 296 to win the match. The visitors eventually fell short by 72 runs – courtesy some phenomenal fast bowling from Cork. The pacer registered figures of 7/43, the best by an English cricketer on debut, and also found himself on the Lord’s Honours Board!
Caddick-Cork-Gough’s havoc: ENG vs WI – Lord’s, 2000
Five years after Cork’s smashing debut, another thriller was played out at Lord’s between both teams. This time though, Cork had Darren Gough and Andy Caddick for company. Together, the trio unleashed fury on the West Indies batsmen in both innings.
England responded to West Indies’ first-innings total of 267 with a paltry 167, thanks to the wicket-taking spells of Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose. However, the visitors folded for 54 in their second innings as Caddick scalped a five-wicket haul. With just 188 to win, England batsmen probably thought of it as a walk in the park. But Walsh came back roaring, dismissing six batsmen and creating a ray of hope for his team.
Michael Vaughan and Michael Atherton eventually steadied the ship and saw England home.
The Alastair Cook Masterclass: ENG vs WI – Manchester, 2007
England recorded a 60-run win in this memorable Test against the West Indies on the back of a solid show from Alastair Cook. Having already struck a brilliant hundred in the 1st Test, Cook continued his purple patch in the third Test at Manchester. England put up 370 runs in their first innings. In response, West Indies were stopped short at 229.
It was in the second innings that Cook brought out his best when Daren Sammy went on a wicket-taking spree. Thanks to Cook’s defiant 106, England could manage to post 313 runs on the board. West Indies were staring at a target of 455 when Steve Harmison and Monty Panesar combined forces to send them packing.
Shai Hope’s twin magic: ENG vs WI – Headingley, 2017
The Headingley Test of 2017 between England and West Indies will forever be remembered for Shai Hope’s magical batting display. He truly set the stage on fire and delivered a record win for the Windies.
Batting first, England were bundled out for 258 despite Ben Stokes’ hundred. Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel picked up 4 wickets each to dismantle the hosts. West Indies replied with a stunning 427 that was helped by two centurions – Kraigg Brathwaite (134) and Shai Hope (147). Hope was ultimately removed by Jimmy Anderson, who finished with a five-for.
England’s response in the second innings was pretty solid. They declared on 490/8, having seen six half-centurions contribute to the cause. West Indies once again faced an uphill task in the fourth innings – chasing a tricky 322 on the final day of the Test. In what was one of the most improbable chases, Hope scored his 2nd hundred of the match, an unbeaten 118 to guide West Indies to a record 5-wicket victory!
