Cricket has been blessed with wonderful West Indian fast bowlers, particularly in the golden era between 70s & the 90s. Join us as we explore the historic menace of West Indian fast bowlers–Who are the greatest? The unluckiest? Who took the most wickets?
By the Numbers: Which West Indian Fast Bowlers Have Taken the Most Wickets Across Formats?
West Indies cricket has a beautiful legacy of fearsome fast bowlers.
Courtney Walsh (746), Curtly Ambrose (630), Malcolm Marshall (533), Joel Garner (405), and Kemar Roach (400) are the Top 5 wicket-takers in West Indies cricket history across formats.
Here is the complete list of the most wickets by West Indian fast bowlers or medium pacers – all formats combined (Test/ODI/T20I).
Most Wickets by West Indies Fast Bowlers
Player
Wickets
Courtney Walsh
746
Curtly Ambrose
630
Malcolm Marshall
533
Joel Garner
405
Kemar Roach
400
Michael Holding
391
Jason Holder
375
Jerome Taylor
291
Andy Roberts
289
Ian Bishop
279
Dwayne Bravo
263
Mervyn Dillon
261
Fidel Edwards
245
Sir Garfield Sobers
236
Alzarri Joseph
225
Daren Sammy
209
Shannon Gabriel
202
Ravi Rampaul
197
Wes Hall
192
Patrick Patterson
183
Corey Collymore
176
Winston Benjamin
161
Daren Powell
158
Colin Croft
155
Pedro Collins
145
Reon King
129
Vanburn Holder
128
Kenny Benjamin
125
Andre Russell
113
Sheldon Cottrell
106
Tino Best
97
Kieron Pollard
97
Charlie Griffith
94
Nixon McLean
90
Ian Bradshaw
87
Phil Simmons
87
Anderson Cummins
86
Cameron Cuffy
84
Winston Davis
84
Vasbert Drakes
84
Franklyn Rose
82
Carlos Brathwaite
75
Dwayne Smith
75
Keith Boyce
73
Frank Worrell
69
Bernard Julien
68
Jermaine Lawson
68
Tony Gray
66
Keemo Paul
65
Wayne Daniel
59
Learie Constantine
58
Gerry Gomez
58
Romario Shepherd
58
Roy Gilchrist
57
Sylvester Clarke
55
Eldine Baptiste
52
Oshane Thomas
50
Kesrick Williams
50
Others: Kyle Mayers (48), Jomel Warrican (46), Obed McCoy (46), Herman Griffith (44), Jayden Seales (43), Manny Martindale (37), George Francis (23)
Top 21 List of Greatest West Indian Fast Bowlers (Ranked)
We considered several aspects while ranking these pacers: (1) Number of Wickets, (2) Longevity, (3) Anecdotes of opposition players, (4) Impact in Test Matches, (5) Impact in World Cups (both ODI/T20I), and (6) Pace/Talent/Swing.
Fast bowling videos linked for your enjoyment. Don’t forget to relieve some of these magical moments!
Honorable Mentions: Sir Garfield Sobers (Not included in the list because he bowled both medium pace & left arm spin), Wayne Daniel, Manny Martindale, George Francis, Learie Constantine, Herman Griffith, Reon King, Franklyn Rose, Phil Simmons, Winston Davis, Mervyn Dillon, Roy Gilchrist, Sylvester Clarke, Tony Gray, Andre Russell, Daren Sammy
When West Indies cricket does well, the world becomes a happy place.
Every cricket fan loves watching highlights of the pace bowlers from the 80s or the T20 World Cup teams of the 2010s. From the fierce five (Malcolm Marshall, Andy Roberts, Colin Croft, Joel Garner, Michael Holding) to the duo of Ambrose-Walsh to the current era of Roach-Gabriel-Holder, it has been wonderful to watch.
I hope future generations of West Indian fast bowlers continue the legacy of the giants that came before them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Greatest West Indian Fast Bowlers
Why does West Indies cricket produce so many fast bowlers?
West Indies cricket continues to produce so many fast bowlers due to their fast-bowling culture, physical attributes (tall & strong), and domestic pitches that historically have produced pitches with pace and bounce.
Who are some of the most famous fast bowlers from the West Indies?
Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Ian Bishop, and Wes Hall are some of the most famous fast bowlers from the West Indies.
Which bowlers have taken the most wickets in West Indian cricket history?
Courtney Walsh (746), Curtly Ambrose (630), Malcolm Marshall (533), Joel Garner (405), and Kemar Roach (400) have taken the most wickets in West Indian cricket history.
Time for the greatest West Indies cricketers of all-time!
West Indies has been a beacon of sunshine in international cricket for several decades. From the golden generation of Test cricketers to the ODI & T20 World Cup winning eras, the Caribbean has been a factory of talent.
Without further ado, let’s dive right in, the greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time across formats and eras.
Key Takeaways
Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Vivian Richards, Brian Lara, Courtney Walsh, Malcolm Marshall, George Headley, Curtly Ambrose, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Chris Gayle, and Sir Clive Lloyd are judged as the Top 10 Greatest West Indian players in cricket history.
The country of origin for these players is divided as follows: Barbados (13), Jamaica (10), Guyana/British Guiana (9), Trinidad & Tobago (9), Leeward Islands (4), and Windward Islands (1).
In this list of the 50 greatest West Indies cricketers of all time, we have 16 batters, 11 fast bowlers,10 allrounders, 4 spinners, and 4 wicketkeepers,
List of Top 50 Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time
Cricket is a highly popular sport in the West Indies, and the region has produced some of the greatest cricketers in the history of the game. These players have made a huge impact on cricket with their incredible performances, and their names have gone down in history as some of the most memorable figures in the sport.
In this list of the greatest 50 greatest West Indian cricketers of all time, we took in account impact on West Indian & world cricket, World Cup wins, individual statistics & performances, captaincy, and legacy. All roles are considered. In this list, you will find the greatest West Indian batters, bowlers, allrounders, and wicketkeepers. Here we go!
Honorable Mentions: Larry Gomes, Carlos Brathwaite, Ravi Rampaul, Bernard Julien, Mervyn Dillon, Jerome Taylor, Fidel Edwards, George Francis, Herman Griffith, Manny Martindale, Leslie Hylton, Hines Johnson, Roy Gilchrist, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Seymour Nurse, Gus Logie,
Current Players Who Might Make the List in the future: Kraigg Brathwaite, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Shannon Gabriel, Joshua da Silva
Claim to Fame: One of the heroes of the 2016 T20 World Cup campaigns, knocking India out of the semifinals. Devastating opening batter and dependable behind the stumps
Claim to Fame: One of the early father figures of West Indian cricket. All-rounder, both on the field and off of it. After cricket, he was Trinidad & Tobago’s High Commissioner to the UK and fought against discrimination.
Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his performances during the 1960s. Played a crucial part in series against England and scored a ton against all Test nations at that time. Went into public life figure after cricket.
Role: All-Rounder (Right Hand Bat/Right Arm Off spin)
Claim to Fame: Top scored for West Indies in both the 2012 & 2016 T20 World Cups, including the match winning knocks in the Finals in both tournaments. Controversial off the field.
Claim to Fame: Famed for his outstanding batting performances in the 1970s. His noteworthy performances in test matches, particularly his remarkable double century on debut (214 & 100* on debut) is a standout among his contemporaries. One of the most stylish cricketers of all-time.
Record: 2047 Test & 8755 FC runs, best of 302, 7 tons (in 30 Tests only)
Claim to Fame: Possibly the most hard-hitting batting in cricket history. Revolutionized muscular power hitting. The Knight Riders franchise have Andre Russell to thank for their brand (and some of their trophies).
Claim to Fame: Distinguished for his impeccable wicket-keeping skills and significant lower-order contributions during the 1980s. Holds pretty much all Test & ODI wicketkeeping records for the West Indies.
Record: Most Dismissals in ODI & Test Cricket for WI
Claim to Fame: Noted for his ability to bowl spin with exceptional control in T20 cricket. With his batting reinvention, he revolutionized the role of pinch hitters in T20 cricket.
Claim to Fame: Known for his consistent performances and matches winning knocks in the 2004 Champions Trophy. With Chanderpaul & Lara, Sarwan provided West Indies some of the best batsmen around.
Record: 5842 Test & 5804 ODI runs including the memorable 291. 20 international centuries
Claim to Fame: One of the great off spinners of the 1950s, formed a partnership with Alf Valentine. Regarded for his role in the overseas Test victory against England. Ramadhin was the first player from Indian origin to represent the Windies.
Claim to Fame: Found in the Champions League 2009, Pollard has become popular for his hard-hitting batting, ruthless finishing, and winning franchise trophies. Not many people have influenced the evolution of a format as Pollard has.
Records: 2012 T20 World Cup Winner, Mumbai Indians legend, 4th Most T20I runs for WI, and 2nd most T20I wins as captain.
Claim to Fame: Widely celebrated for his inventive batting style and significant role in the 1975 World Cup squad. His ability to handle pressure and adapt his game to different conditions and situations elevated him to the status of one of the greatest West Indian cricketers of all time. There is a reason Sunil Gavaskar named his son Rohan.
Record: 6227 Test runs, 29250 FC runs, 86 FC centuries
Claim to Fame: Popular for his all-round performances in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Records: 2nd Most Catches in ODI Cricket, 4th Highest wicket-taker for WI in ODI, 10000+ runs in international cricket, 23,034 FC runs with 69 centuries
Claim to Fame: Nicknamed the ‘whispering death,’ Holding was admired for his smooth action and exceptional control with the ball. Now known for his strong takes in the commentary box.
Record: 249 Test wickets, 142 ODI, and 778 FC wickets
Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his aggressive batting and his ability to bowl at any stage of the game.
Records: Most Wickets for WI in T20Is, Most Wickets in T20s of all-time (615), 3rd most in ODI cricket, Most franchise tournament wins in history (constant competition with Pollard)
Claim to Fame: Admired for his consistent batting performances in the 1980s and 1990s. A giant in first class cricket as well.
Records: Pioneer in ODI batting, had most tons (17) till Sachin Tendulkar overtook him. More than 16,000 international runs, 26,000 FC runs, and 15,000 List A runs.
Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his aggressive batting and record-breaking performances in T20 cricket. Had a couple of double hundreds in Test matches as well. Pioneer in T20 batting. Was West Indies’ Top 2 scorers in their winning campaigns of 2004 Champions Trophy as well as their 2012 & 2016 T20 World Cup campaigns
Records: Most Catches for WI in ODI Cricket, Most ODI & T20I Runs for West Indies, Most T20 Runs (14562), Most T20 Hundreds (22), Most T20 Sixes (1056)
Claim to Fame: Amusing batting stances, marks below the eyes, but most importantly, remarkable batting performances in Test cricket. The Wall of West Indian cricket.
Records: Most Tests for West Indies (164), 2nd Highest Test Runs (11867), 3rd Highest ODI Runs (8778)
Claim to Fame: Renowned for his record-breaking batting feats and stylish stroke play. It is no joke that he scored the highest and third highest score in Tests. One of the remaining cogs of a declining Test side.
Records: 11953 Test Runs, 10405 in ODI, 22156 FC, and 14602 in Lisa A cricket. Highest Test Score (400), Most Catches in Test Cricket/3rd Most Catches in ODI Cricket
3. Sir Frank Worrell (Barbados/Jamaica, 1948-1963)
Role: Opening Batsman
Claim to Fame: Noted for his leadership of the West Indies team in the 1960s and setting up a legacy of success. Sir Frank Worrell was the first black captain to represent the West Indies and also captained the national team in that famed 1961 Test series, which featured the first Tied test.
Record: 3860 Test runs, 15025 FC runs, 39 FC centuries.
2. Sir Vivian Richards (Leeward Islands, 1974-1991)
Role: Opening Batsman
Claim to Fame: Celebrated for his powerful batting and remarkable consistency in the 1970s and 1980s. Possibly the greatest batsman the world has ever seen, and definitely, the most charismatic.
Record: 36212 FC runs, 8540 Tests runs, & 6721 ODI runs. 114 First Class hundreds to go with his 35 international centuries and 26 List A tons. Averages 50.23 in Tests & 47.00 in ODIs
Claim to Fame: Admired for his incredible all-round performances and ability to turn a game on its head. One of the two greatest all-rounders in cricket history.
Record: 28,314 FC runs & 1,043 FC wickets. 86 FC tons, 26 Test centuries, best of 365* and 6/73 (Test) & 9/49 (FC). Also hit six sixes.
One of West Indies cricket’s greatest strengths has been performances in the ICC Cricket World Cup and Champions Trophy tournaments. Here are the complete squads and stats.
West Indies 1975 World Cup Squad
Clive Lloyd (C), Keith Boyce, Roy Fredericks, Lance Gibbs, Gordon Greenidge, Vanburn Holder, Bernard Julien, Alvin Kallicharran, Rohan Kanhai, Deryck Murray (WK), Viv Richards, Andy Roberts, Maurice Foster, Lawrence Rowe
Most Wickets: Bernard Julien, Keith Boyce
Most Runs: Alvin Kallicharan, Clive Lloyd
1979 World Cup Squad
Clive Lloyd (C), Joel Garner, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Michael Holding, Alvin Kallicharran, Collis King, Deryck Murray (WK), Viv Richards, Andy Roberts, Larry Gomes, Faoud Bacchus, Malcolm Marshall
Most Wickets: Mihcael Holding, Andy Roberts
Most Runs: Viv Richards, Gordon Greenidge
1983 World Cup Squad (Runner Up)
Clive Lloyd (C), Faoud Bacchus, Wayne Daniel, Winston Davis, Jeff Dujon (WK), Joel Garner, Larry Gomes, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Michael Holding, Gus Logie, Malcolm Marshall, Viv Richards, Andy Roberts
Most Wickets:
Most Runs: Viv Richards, Larry Gomes, Gordon Greenidge
2004 Champions Trophy
Brian Lara (C), Ian Bradshaw, Dwayne Bravo, Courtney Browne (WK), Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Corey Collymore, Mervyn Dillon, Chris Gayle, Ryan Hinds, Wavell Hinds, Sylvester Joseph, Ricardo Powell, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Daren Sammy
Most Wickets: Chris Gayle, Ian Bradshaw, Mervyn Dillon
Most Runs: Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle, Shivnarine Chanderpaul
2012 T20 World Cup Squad
Daren Sammy (C), Dwayne Bravo (VC), Samuel Badree, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Fidel Edwards, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin (WK), Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith
Most Wickets: Sunil Narine, Ravi Rampaul
Most Runs: Marlon Samuels, Chris Gayle
2016 T20 World Cup Squad
Daren Sammy (C), Jason Holder (VC), Chris Gayle, Samuel Badree, Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles (WK), Evin Lewis, Ashley Nurse, Denesh Ramdin (WK), Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons (WK), Jerome Taylor (Dwayne Bravo, Fletcher, Narine, Pollard – withdrawn)
Most Wickets: Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo
Most Runs: Marlon Samuels, Chris Gayle
Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time – The Stats
Most of the players who have dominated the statistics below feature in our list of the greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time.
*Note: Richie Richardson won 11/24 Test as 45.83%.
Top 5 Most Catches for West Indies
Most Test catches for WI
Most ODI catches for WI
Most T20I catches for WI
Brian Lara – 164
Chris Gayle – 123
Dwayne Bravo– 44
Viv Richards – 122
Carl Hooper – 120
Kieron Pollard – 42
Carl Hooper – 115
Brian Lara – 117
Lendl Simmons – 34
Garfield Sobers – 109
Viv Richards – 100
Daren Sammy – 30
Chris Gayle – 96
Richie Richardson – 75
Rovman Powell – 26
Final Thoughts
The West Indies cricket team has been graced by numerous players who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
These players, hailing from various regions of the Caribbean, have showcased skillsets and abilities that have often been unparalleled. From powerful batsmen who could change the course of a game with their prowess to bowlers whose deliveries instilled fear in the hearts of their opponents, these individuals have truly shaped cricket in the West Indies.
Their contributions to the sport are not only celebrated in their home countries, but also recognized and revered globally. They serve as a testament to the rich and vibrant cricketing history of the West Indies, and their legacies continue to inspire the next generation of cricketers.
Which West Indies cricketer is your favorite? Do you agree with this list of the greatest West Indies Cricketers of all time?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Greatest West Indies Cricketers of All Time
Q1: Who is considered the best all-rounder in West Indies cricket history?
A: Sir Garfield Sobers is widely regarded as the best all-rounder in the history of West Indies cricket. His exceptional performances with both the bat and ball have earned him this distinction.
Q2: Who held the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket from the West Indies?
A: Brian Lara holds the record for the highest individual score in Tests from the West Indies, with his unbeaten 400 runs against England in 2004.
Q3: Are there notable cricket players from each region of the Caribbean?
A: Yes, each region of the Caribbean has produced notable cricket players. For instance, Brian Lara hails from Trinidad, Sir Garfield Sobers from Barbados, and Chris Gayle from Jamaica.
Q4: Which West Indies captain led the team to two World Cup victories?
A: Sir Clive Lloyd was the captain of the West Indies team that won the Cricket World Cup in 1975 and 1979.
What is the first thing that comes in your mind when you think of cricket highlights? Fast bowling wickets compilation? Catches Win Matches? Stylish Cover drives?
How about classic commentary highlights? Well, today we will discuss exactly that!
Last week, we created a Fantasy team of Commentators XI. Harsha Bhogle was our team captain, Gaurav Kapur the opener, and the dynamic duo of Simon Doull and Pommie Mbangwa as the fast bowlers.
So naturally we asked our Twitter audience to respond with #BestCommentary for:
Best #IPL2020 Commentary Highlights
Most Favorite Iconic Cricket Commentary Memory
Commentators come in all shapes and sizes—a few serious, others insightful, and some extremely hilarious.
Who is your favorite commentator? Bill Lawry, Michael Holding, Tony Greig, Ian Bishop, Richie Benaud, Ravi Shashtri? COMMENT BELOW AND LET US KNOW!
Anyway, here are their twitter responses! So, sit back, relax, and watch some of the best cricket commentary videos!
There are lots of videos. Like a lot. Watch till the end for all the good ones.
The Tweets – Commentary Highlights
Here are the favorite IPL and cricketing memories from the fans in their own words. We have categorized the commentary in categories—The Jaw Drop, The Heartbreak, and The Critical, and then, some more.
The Jaw Drop feat Ravi Shastri
Here are some of the jaw dropping moments in recent cricketing history captured by iconic commentators.
My Fav. #BestCommentary will be Ravi Shastri commentating on Yuvraj Singh Six sixes in an over to Stuart Broad in first T20 World Cup. And best #IPLT20 will be First time I saw sunny sir doing Hindi Commentary that was really an awesome moment for me
Yes Really It was very nice especially I was watching this match Live… So still remember those exciting sixes and commentary by Ravi Shastri.
What a great day for cricket. One just imagines what would have happened had Flintoff kept his cool to Yuvi that day?
IPL comms just wash over me a bit. Sunny Gavaskar is the master of the box as much as he was at the crease, especially when he’s annoyed. KP’s ‘Pingo Pongo’ moments are fun. Best ever is Fazeer Mohammed “Why did he do that?!” to Gabriel’s brainfade against Yasir #BestCommentary
Try #RCBvSRH on 21 September as I checked and mentioned it that day. Also you’ve got to have Richie Benaud from Botham Headingley 1981 – “It went in to the confectionery stall and out again…”
For me, #BestCommentary All-Time – by Ravi Shastri Sir on India WC 2011 wining moment (Dhoni’s 6) ~ ” Dhoni finishes off in style..A magnificent strike into the crowd…India wins after 28 years…& it’s the Indian capt who’s been absolutely magnificent in the night of the final
The Ian Bishop
Ian Bishop recently celebrated his 53rd birthday at the IPL. With Harsha Bhogle, Mark Nicholas, and JP Duminy, the banter among the group was hilarious!
He has had so many iconic moments in recent times, that he deserves a category by himself.
My fav in #IPL2020 Bish, Danny M, Mark Nicholas, Sanga . All time Nasser H. Favorite moment :normally love all the 3rd man and Masterclass segments(Nasser and Murali) in sky sports. But generally I think it’s Bishop calling brathwaite and Ravi S in natwest series #bestcommentary
Mine from ipl is AB v steyn(SRH one) 2014.. Simon doull & ramiz raja in comm… All time fav.. Bit biased, will select two: 1) Ravi shastri calling Dhoni’s six, wc 2011 final 2) Bish in manchester 2019 wc “Surely the hopes have been ignited enough for them to be extinguished!”
“Can he? Can he really?” “The dream has diminished for CB, here in manchesterrr..”
Watching late at night.. Was preparing for the exams..but couldn’t take my eyes off.. Even after the fall of 7th wkt.. For some reason didn’t switch it off… Treated with a phenomenal & memorable game.. The heart sank but was a special knock from brathwaitte..
#BestCommentary for me is certainly by Ian Smith from CWC 2019 Final written below:-
“This is the moment – it’s Archer to Guptill. Two to win. Guptill’s got to push for two, they’ve gotta go! The throw’s gotta go to the keeper’s end. He’s got it! England have won the World Cup – by the barest of margins. By the barest of all margins.”#BestCommentary Chilling!
Not all commentary is hilarious or heartbreaking. Some commentary moments deal with serious cricketing issues.
Vandit – West Indies T20 League Exodus
2011 Pakistan Vs West Indies ODI.The highlight was Michael Holding exclaiming, “I was told he played in the IPL this morning. I almost fell over. A feather duster could have knocked me over”
2. Here is another serious commentary by Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain on Muhammad Amir’s comeback following the Spot Fixing ban. Do watch the full interview here.
#BestCommentary Harsha Bhogle: “Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seat belts. We are ready for the take-off.” This was when AB started his innings with a bang in one IPL match.
Did not find the exact Harsha video but here is Harsha Bhogle at his very best.
2. Tony Greig – Sharjah Sachin Tendulkar
3. YouTube – Best Commentary
4. Richie Benaud – BBC Tribute
Here is the BBC Tribute to Richie Benaud’s marvelous career, both as a player and a commentator. Here are some of his other Benaud’s other best moments.
5. My Personal Favorite – That. Is. Very. Good.
Any other videos or memories? Comment below and send us your favorite commentary highlights!
What did you think of the videos, the tweets, and the article? Please let us know by commenting below. Subscribe to our blog for more such articles and follow us on twitter/facebook!