The West Indies vs England rivalry is one of the most enthralling and exciting contests in one-day international (ODI) cricket.
West Indies and England clashed for the first time in ODI cricket in Leeds in September 1973. The Mike Denness-led England beat West Indies by one wicket in the first ODI of a two-match series. Rohan Kanhai’s West Indies bounced back to win the second ODI by eight wickets as the series ended 1-1.
The England cricket team later travelled to the Caribbean for their first ODI series against West Indies in February 1981. Led by captain Clive Lloyd, West Indies won the two-match ODI series 2-0.
Since then, West Indies and England have played 103 matches in the ODI format. England hold a slight edge with 52 victories while West Indies have secured 45 wins. As many as six matches have ended in draws.
Both the cricketing giants have registered numerous records during their thrilling battles and here’s a closer look at West Indies vs England ODI records and stats.
West Indies vs England ODI records and stats
Highest team total
The England cricket team holds the record for the highest team total in West Indies vs England ODIs. During the fourth ODI of England’s tour of West Indies in 2019, the visitors recorded a mammoth total of 418/6 in their 50 overs in St. George’s. Put in to bat, England rode on Jos Buttler’s 77-ball 150, Eoin Morgan’s 103 off 88 balls, Alex Hales’ 82 and Jonny Bairstow’s 56 to post a massive total on the board. In reply, Chris Gayle smashed 162 off 97 balls which kept the hosts in the chase. However, West Indies later fell short by just 29 runs. The five-match ODI series ended 2-2.
Lowest team total
England also registered the lowest team total in this ODI fixture in 2019 against the Caribbean outfit. Electing to field first in the fifth ODI in Gros Islet, West Indies produced a sensational bowling display to bundle out England for 113 in 28.1 overs. Alex Hales and Jos Buttler were the top-scorers for England with 23 each. Chris Gayle (77) and Shimron Hetmyer (11 not out) later helped West Indies chase down the target in just 12.1 overs. The hosts won the final ODI by seven wickets to salvage a 2-2 series draw.
Most runs
Chris Gayle holds the record for the most runs in West Indies vs England ODIs. Between 2000 and 2019, the flamboyant left-handed batter amassed 1,632 runs in 36 matches at an average of 51 and strike rate of 96.16. Gayle slammed four hundreds and eight fifties against England in the 50-over format. His highest ODI score against England is 162. For England, Graham Gooch scored the most ODI runs against the Caribbean side. He accumulated 881 runs in 32 ODIs at an average of 30.37.
Most wickets
Former West Indies fast bowler Malcolm Marshall picked up the most wickets in this ODI fixture. The legendary pacer bagged 41 ODI wickets in 26 matches against England at an average of 19.85 and an economy of 3.53 between 1980 and 1992. He registered best ODI bowling figures of 4/23 versus England. Among England bowlers, James Anderson took the most wickets in West Indies vs England ODIs. The right-arm fast bowler scalped 32 wickets in 21 ODIs at an average of 28.40.
Highest individual score
Legendary cricketer Viv Richards holds the record for the highest individual score in West Indies vs England ODIs. During the first ODI of West Indies’ tour of England in 1984, Viv Richards scored unbeaten 189 off just 170 balls in Manchester. His magnificent knock was laced with 21 fours and five maximums. Richards’ knock powered West Indies to 272/9 in their 55 overs. The visitors later bowled out England for 168 in 50 overs to register a comprehensive 104-run win.
Best bowling figures
Former fast bowler Colin Croft registered the best bowling figures in West Indies vs England ODIs. The right-arm pacer finished with figures of 6/15 during the first ODI of England’s tour of West Indies in Kingstown in 1981. Croft took the huge wickets of Geoff Boycott, Peter Willey, Roland Butcher, captain Ian Botham, Mike Gatting and David Bairstow to help West Indies defend a paltry total of 127 and register a thrilling two-run victory.
Highest partnership
Former England cricketers Andrew Strauss and Andrew Flintoff hold the record for the highest partnership in this ODI fixture. The English duo forged a 226-run stand for the fourth wicket against West Indies during a NatWest Series encounter at Lord’s in 2004. While Strauss scored 100 off 116 balls, Flintoff was dismissed for a 104-ball 123. Despite the incredible partnership, West Indies later successfully chased down 1 286-4 run target in 49.1 overs to register a seven-wicket win.
Photo credit: Alamy
