ENG vs WI: Top 5 wicket-takers in England-West Indies Test matches
England and West Indies enjoy a great rivalry in Test cricket. These two nations have been competing against each other in the longest format since 1928 and have produced some wonderful talents. West Indies are well-renowned for their past riches in fast bowling department whereas England have two of the all-time great fast bowlers playing for them. From currently active players, here are the five highest wicket-takers in England-West Indies Tests.
Moeen Ali – 25 wickets
A surprising entry for an English off-spinner whereas we would expect fast bowlers and medium pacers in the top five. 14 out of Moeen’s total 25 wickets against West Indies have come in the last three Tests played in the Caribbean. His best performance at Gros Islet of 4/36 was accompanied by 3/99 in the same Test. In total, he has played eight Tests against West Indies.
Shannon Gabriel – 26 wickets
Gabriel has appeared in only eight Test matches against England, five of which were at home. Although he is yet to take a five-wicket haul against England, he has been rattling them. In 16 innings that he has bowled, Gabriel has ended wicketless only twice. If fully fit, he will be a great threat on this tour.
Kemar Roach – 42 wickets
The fast bowler has enjoyed great success agaisnt the English team. In 10 Test matches against them, Roach has taken 42 wickets. His first five-for came at Lord’s (5/72) but his most prominent performance was on view at Bridgetown. Ripping apart England’s batting line-up, Roach took 5/17 as the opponents tumbled to 77 all out. Later in the series, he registered three consecutive four-wickets hauls.
Stuart Broad – 57 wickets
It is no surprise that England’s legendary new-ball bowler is second in this list. The blonde bowler has taken 57 wickets in 17 Test encounters against the Caribbean side. Broad made his impact on West Indies straightaway with his spell of 5/85 in Kingston in 2009. His best performance against them came at Lord’s where he took 7/72 and 4/93 to bag 11 wickets in the match. It is his only other ten-wicket haul in Test cricket.
James Anderson – 82 wickets
Amongst the English bowlers who have taken the most wickets against West Indies in Test cricket, Anderson stands second. He is four wickets short of Fred Trueman’s tally of 86 wickets. Anderson recorded his best bowling figures against West Indies at Lord’s in 2017 where he claimed 7/42. The master swing bowler is yet to take a ten-wicket haul against the Windies but has recorded three five-wicket hauls in 20 Tests.
